Coffee Snobs is a co founded business run by two best friends who met at university. After consuming copious amounts of bad coffee to fuel late night studying they decided to do something about the whole coffee industry and start the business that they had dreamed of. … More Meet Coffee Snobs: From craving great coffee to crafting it for all
At Creare Capital, a lot of time is spent thinking about how creative businesses grow, and, crucially, why so many promising ideas struggle to get off the ground. The government’s new Creative Industries Sector Plan offers a refreshed plan for tackling the challenges facing the sector but if you are launching your creative business now what can you do to overcome these funding barriers? Here are some practical steps that early-stage creative founders can take. … More Funding your creative business: Navigating challenges and building confidence
When most people hear the word “networking”, they think of lukewarm coffee, name badges and awkward conversations that sound like the start of a bad sales pitch. But if you’re a new entrepreneur, networking isn’t just a dreaded social obligation – it’s your secret weapon. So, what do you do? … More Networking for new entrepreneurs: How to work a room without breaking a sweat
Sustainability is defined as ‘the ability to be maintained or continued at a certain rate or level’. It sounds simple – but when applied to business, leadership or life after adversity, it becomes much deeper. If you’re someone trying to build something meaningful, this could be a product, service or space – these principles of sustainability still apply. … More Sustainability: Returning to our roots and building forward
Rostyslava was born and raised in Ukraine and lived there until the full scale Russian invasion in 2022 forced her to leave. After actively applying for paid jobs and being left with discouraging responses it became clear to her that many employers hold strong stereotypes about refugees. Read this article to find out why hiring displaced people is not just an act of kindness – it’s a wise, strategic decision for any business. … More Giving refugees a chance: Why hiring displaced professionals is a smart move for your business
In today’s hyper-competitive digital world, having a social media presence isn’t enough. Start-ups and SMEs that succeed aren’t the ones posting randomly, they are the ones that build a strategy with purpose, creativity, and data-driven insights. … More Why start-ups and SMEs need a social media strategy in 2025
Moda de la Maria is a fashion brand committed to crafting high-quality, timeless womenswear using natural fabrics such as silk, wool, cotton, and cashmere. Hear from Maria Ruseva, the founder, about how she stared the business, her challenges and achievements, and her advice for budding entrepreneurs! … More Meet Maria Ruseva: Making her dream reality with a handcrafted fashion business
Are you a start-up business founder eager to cultivate enduring growth and long-term viability? Or perhaps you are driven to gain a significant competitive edge? Then, continue reading as the article delves into how proactive sustainability integration can propel your business without straining your resources. … More Embedding Sustainability: A Cornerstone for Start-up Success
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is an exciting experience with potential opportunities and pitfalls. However, most entrepreneurs are confronted with traps that can ruin their success and threaten the sustainability of their business. At the Small Business Research and Enterprise Centre, we have seen the errors entrepreneurs commit and we have provided guidance in how they can be avoided. … More Common mistakes entrepreneurs make – and how you can avoid them!
As we enter 2025, there is renewed optimism for businesses due to improved funding opportunities and market conditions following the pandemic. The new year represents a chance for change and innovation, encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace challenges and pursue their goals. With proper planning, 2025 could be a pivotal year for success. … More Why 2025 is the perfect time to achieve your small business goals
Starting a business is like embarking on a thrilling adventure. You’re the captain, the crew, and the treasure hunter all rolled into one. But just like any great adventure, a little planning can go a long way. Learn how SWOT and the BMC can help you create a solid business plan. … More Business Blueprint, part 3: Plan to Win – Why Business Planning Tools Are Your Secret Weapon
Prepare your business financials with cashflow and sales forecast planning. Understand what you need to think about when looking at your financials and learn about the tools to help you with these. … More Business Blueprint, part 2: Building your financial model
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