Profile your customer
List key characteristics like:
• where they are
• what they care about
• how much they spend
This will help you refine your product and your marketing.
Do your numbers
Plot your projected costs on a timeline. Do the same with projected income. You'll run at a loss when you first start a business. How will you make up the shortfall?
Research shows that most businesses do this through owner savings, bank loans, friends and family, or credit cards. Learn more in our guide to finance.
Most UK businesses get their money from:
22% owner’s savings • 12% bank loans • 9% friends and family • 17% credit cards

Register your business
You can register as a sole trader, partnership, or company at gov.uk. You’ll be able to figure out your VAT obligation there too.
After starting a business

So now you know how to start a business, but what comes next? Lots of questions, that’s what. Keep your advisors and mentors close. And look for helpful articles in our small business guides.