Starting a business

You may be planning to start a business or perhaps you’ve already begun. Find advice on the essentials, from writing a business plan to intellectual property.

Get started

Being aware of various considerations around starting a business will help you decide if it is the right approach for you and increase your chances of success.

3 Resources in this subject

Identify the best approach

Think about what type of business you want to start, eg a business based from home, a high growth business with an innovative product, or even buying an existing business.

9 Resources in this subject

Develop a business idea

Market research can be vital to identify and develop your business idea. From there you need to find quick ways to test if your idea is viable and bring your idea to life.

3 Resources in this subject

Prepare a business plan

A business plan can help you secure funding, as well as clarifying how your business will work, who your customers are, and how much money you’ll make. We have a handy template created especially for start-ups.

9 Resources in this subject

Set up and name your business

Limited company, partnership, sole trader...the legal structure you choose for your business will affect your tax, paperwork and personal financial liability. There are a few considerations when it comes to naming your business too.

11 Resources in this subject

Guide

Guide

External Resource

1 min read

External Resource

External Resource

External Resource

External Resource

Protect your ideas

Some businesses, especially high growth start-ups with innovative products and services, may want to look at protecting their intellectual property and putting in place non-disclosure agreements with any partners.

3 Resources in this subject

Guide

Article

6 min read

Find business support and advice

There are organisations in Scotland that can offer business support and advice in areas like starting up, improving skills, international trade, innovation and efficiency. Networking with other businesses can also help you gain new insights.

3 Resources in this subject

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Get the support you need right now

Contact us through the contact form or contact your local Business Gateway Office

Contact us Local Office Business Support