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Starting is easier when you can break down all the work ahead of you into smaller pieces and check all the boxes while you plan.  \nHow to use this checklist:  \n1. Review the Pre-Planning section and use your answers to create an outline you can use to start your business plan.  \n2. Review the rest of the checklist-the sections are of equal importance, but do not need to be completed in order. You can choose to work on marketing first or plan your business structure before tackling the financial section. The order is up to you!  \nRemember: If you need any help with completing the checklist, Business Link’s team of Small Business Strategists are here to help with 1:1 support via live chat online or by email.  \nSmall Business Start-up Guide  \nPre-Planning  \nThink of a business idea you would like to pursue based on your skills, interests, and market needs. A good business idea not only turns profit, it should be a good fit for you personally, too!  \nReview your personal finances. Generating income from a new business takes time and personal investment. Unless you are purchasing an existing business with clients, your new venture may take up to a year to generate enough paying customers to sustain itself.  \n• Will you need to start as a part time venture while you work to support your household? Or...  \n• Does your business already have paying customers waiting for you to produce and deliver?  \nConduct some informal market research to validate that you have a feasible business idea. How do you really know your product or service is something that’s going to work on all levels? Talk to some potential customers (outside of your circle of family and friends) . Do they really want a high-end clothing shop in their neighbourhood, or do they prefer to shop online?  \nSmall Business Start-up Guide  \nTip: Use a visualization tool like the Business Model Canvas to map out a basic structure for your business idea.  \nFor each of the questions below, write a short 1-2 sentence answer:  \nWhat is the problem my business is solving?  \nWhat is the solution my business offers?  \nWho might be an ideal customer for my product or service?  \nWhat makes me different from a competitor?  \nWill my business be online? Offline? Both?  \nWho will be on my team? Just me? An accountant? A bookkeeper? Outsourced contractors? Employees?  \nHow will I fund the start-up costs? Personal money? Friends and family investment? Bank loans/line of credit?  \nSmall Business Start-up Guide  \nThe Plan  \nNow that you have determined your idea is worth pursuing further, it’s time to explore the steps and processes needed to turn it into a profitable business.  \nCreate a basic breakeven analysis.  \nMap out business milestones or goals and when you plan to achieve them.  \nValidate your idea: Interview potential customers to ensure that they have the problem you are trying to solve and conduct market research.  \nIf you’re seeking funding, a comprehensive business plan with cashflow projections is a MUST. Download our Cashflow Template to help you.  \nOur Interactive Business Plan Builder is a FREE and fully interactive business planning tool designed to help you build out an investor-ready business plan. Each section comes complete with helpful resources, guidance, and sample answers.  \nWhile we can’t guarantee your business is fundable, our team of Strategists can review your plan, and provide feedback and guidance.  \nSmall Business Start-up Guide  \nMarket Research  \nWhile we advise new entrepreneurs to do market research before they start, you should not let “doing market research” hold you up if you already know your  \nmarket. Most start-ups are driven by people who know their market from experience and who are ready to act.  \nIf you feel you need more ","cbCaikH159h8Qrq2","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaikH159h8Qrq2","pdf",554056,10,"English","# Pre-Planning\n## Business idea and fit\n## Personal finances and timing\n## Market research validation\n## Business Model Canvas prompting\n# The Plan\n## Breakeven analysis\n## Milestones and goals\n## Idea validation and funding readiness\n## Interactive business plan building\n# Market Research\n## Timing and avoiding delays\n## Secondary market research support\n# Brand Your Business\n## Brand message and unique value\n## Tagline and brand voice\n## Visual identity and logo\n# Legal Steps\n## Business structure and registration\n## Licenses and business numbers\n## Insurance and intellectual property\n## Contracts and compliance","[{\"question\":\"What should you do in the pre-planning stage before writing a business plan?\",\"answer\":\"Write short answers that clarify the business problem, solution, ideal customer, differentiation, channel approach (online/offline/both), team roles, and start-up funding. 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