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You’ve had the inspiration, the idea, spotted the gap in the market and your friends all think it will work, but how will you actually get your business going?

Help is at hand. businesslink.gov.uk is the first place to start if you want to take some of the stress out of starting up, providing accessible tools and online resources to take the next steps to going it alone.

The Business start-up organiser is the perfect starting point to help you set up your business. It is a powerful way of finding out what tasks you need to do when starting up. Spend 5 minutes completing a short questionnaire and you will receive a personalised list of step-by-step tasks to save and complete at your own pace. It enables you to manage your tasks, check on progress and keep notes.

Visit businesslink.gov.uk to access a dedicated start-up section with authoritative and trusted information about getting your business venture off the ground. Other resources, tools and guides available free on the website include:

How to write a business plan - Every business should have a realistic working business plan - and it's essential when you're starting up a business as it basically lays the foundations for your enterprise.

Choose the right name for your business - Choosing a name for your business is a creative and enjoyable process. It is also one that you need to get right, as it will communicate your brand personality.

Grants and support directory - This directory allows you to search for potential sources of help with starting up or developing your business. The database contains schemes from central and local government as well as private organisations.

Think about a premises - Finding the right premises for your business is crucial if it is to be run effectively and make a profit. This guide outlines the things you should take into account before deciding whether renting is a better option for you than buying.

businesslink.gov.uk can help your business through all stages of growth. The site provides free advice, case studies and tools on a broad range of areas. Whether you are recruiting for the first time, getting to grips with marketing or worried about your company’s IT security, businesslink.gov.uk can offer you free guidance that will help.