Business planning

Everything you need to know to start your business

See our resources, tips and advice on starting a business.

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2 minutes is all it takes to find out whether you’re ready to take the plunge and become your own boss. Take the quiz to get personalised advice, a breakdown of your strengths and weaknesses and top tips to help you succeed.

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Want to know how to write a business plan that works, find your first customer, be tax compliant, or how to start up with no money. Whatever you want to know, we will tackle it with a little help from a super line-up of small business stars.

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7 steps to create a business plan that will wow investors

Find out what you need to get your business started. And discover how to win over investors with a winning business plan.

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How to start a business with no money

Starting a business with no money doesn’t have to be daunting – it can be a big opportunity.

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How to get funding to start a business

Don’t let the pitches for funding from Dragons’ Den put you off. Getting an investment is easier than you think. Find out how to get started with our top tips.

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7 ways to generate ideas to start a small business

Trying to come up with your business idea? Here are some great ways to unlock ideas and figure out what your new business will look like.

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Why new businesses succeed with Sage Accounting

Starting a new business but worried about having the time to track and manage your finances? Sage Accounting makes it easy to create and send invoices, stay compliant, and manage cash flow so that you have time to focus on what really matters – your success.

Automate time-consuming tasks

There’s a lot to get done when starting a new business so don’t let admin hold you back. Use accounting software to set up recurring invoices, instantly view reports on your finances, and connect your bank so customer payments can be reconciled automatically.

Plans and pricing

Keep track of your business with real-time insights

Get a clear, simple view of your finances with cash flow forecasts that help you easily understand the money going in and out of your business. And share information with accountants in real-time to get the job done faster.

Plans and pricing

Maximise profitability and cash flow

To get the best outcomes for your new business, you need to be in control of your finances. With Sage Accounting you can view how much money you’re making from products and services, and check stock levels so that you always have what you need, when you need it.

Plans and pricing

Show your cash flow and payroll who's boss

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Accounting

Start

£12 + VAT/mo

Free 30 day trial**

Create and send invoices
Track what you're owed
Automatic bank reconciliation
Calculate and submit VAT
Be Making Tax Digital Ready for VAT
Supports one user

Compatible with:

Accounting

Standard

£24 + VAT/mo

Free 30 day trial**

Create and send invoices
Track what you're owed
Automatic bank reconciliation
Calculate and submit VAT
Be Making Tax Digital Ready for VAT
Supports unlimited users
Manage and submit CIS
Run advanced reports
Send quotes and estimates
Forecast cash flow
Manage purchase invoices
Snap receipts with AutoEntry, 3 months free⁽²⁾

Compatible with:

Accounting

Plus

£30 + VAT/mo

Free 30 day trial**

Create and send invoices
Track what you're owed
Automatic bank reconciliation
Calculate and submit VAT
Be Making Tax Digital Ready for VAT
Supports unlimited users
Manage and submit CIS
Run advanced reports
Send quotes and estimates
Forecast cash flow
Manage purchase invoices
Snap receipts with AutoEntry, 3 months free⁽²⁾
Invoice in multiple currencies
Manage inventory

Compatible with:

**Start your free trial and receive 1 month free, then £12/£24/£30 + VAT/mo (tier depending). Terms and conditions apply.
⁽¹⁾Starting at 5 employees from £7.00 per month + VAT with the option to add employee tiers for up to 100 employees.
⁽²⁾ Snap and upload data from unlimited receipts, invoices and supplier statements with AutoEntry, free for your first 3 months. Subject to fair usage policy. Standard and Plus tiers only.