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For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

Eight ways we can help you start a business in 2024

Are you thinking of starting your own business in 2024? If so, you’re not alone. Around 750,000 new businesses are established in the UK each year; and recent research has found that almost a third of Brits say they want to start a business or a side hustle.

If you have an idea for a business, we can help. Here are eight things you can do right now to help get 2024 off to a great start:

1. Download our guide: Our free step-by-step guide to starting a business is packed with information and advice that could help you turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. We’ve also spoken to small business owners to get their insights and experiences so you can learn from those that have been there and done it.

2. Learn more about your business type. We’ve got in-depth guides to 185 business types - everything from bakeries and bike shops to photography and pet grooming businesses and much more. Our sector guides provide specific information that will help you assess demand, set prices, decide which products and services to offer and get your business off the ground. Still unsure what kind of business to start? Get some ideas by reading our article on the most in-demand freelancer roles.

3. Choose a business model. Whether you’re starting a side hustle or a bigger enterprise, we’ve got you covered. Here are our guides to some of the most popular business models:

  • How to start a side hustle
  • How to start trading as a sole trader
  • How to set up a limited company
  • How to buy a business
  • How to buy a franchise
  • How to start an online business

4. Get business essentials. There are some key products and services you’ll need to run your business. To help you shop around and find the best deals, we’ve got buyer’s guides to business banking, POS payment systems, CRM software, website builders and accounting software.

5. Join our small business community. The Small Business Collective on Facebook has over 3,000 members - all of them business owners and freelancers like you. It’s a great place to ask for help, share ideas and get support. And don’t forget to follow @StartupDonut on X (formerly Twitter) and @startupdonut on Instagram as well.

6. Read our blogs. Advice from experts and business owners can be a great source of inspiration when you’re thinking of starting a business. This year we’ve published a wide range of blogs, including a guide to starting a business when you’re aged 16-24; five tips for starting a business; learning whether you’re cut out to be an entrepreneur and how to turn start up ideas into gold.

7. Tune into our podcast. If you’re tired of staring at screens all day, why not listen to the Start Your Own Business podcast? Our guests include trusted experts, such as Guy Rigby, aka The Entrepreneurs’ Adviser and Sir Cary Cooper, the leading expert on workplace stress. We’ve also interviewed a host of small business owners whose stories are as inspirational as they are informative. Our episode on how to start a business on a shoestring budget is essential listening for any would-be business owner.

8. Subscribe to our newsletter. Get fully up-to-date with small business news, views and trends by subscribing to our weekly newsletter. It’s also the best way to find out about the latest small business offers - from cashback on business bank accounts and discounts on accounting apps to free trials on software and big savings on insurance. With our newsletter in your inbox, you’ll be the first to know about these great deals.

We hope you find everything you need on the Donuts to help you start or grow a business in 2024. Here’s to a successful and prosperous new year!

The Donut team

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