January 23, 2012, 10:24 pm
That was one of the key messages from the Forum of Private Business in a submission to the All-party Parliamentary Small Business Group’s entrepreneurship inquiry, which opened last month.
The inquiry was set up to consider the role of entrepreneurs in driving economic growth, examine the barriers small firms face, and identify ways in which the UK can increase the number of motivated self-starters capable of running a profitable business.
The not-for-profit Forum also made a number of other suggestions to the inquiry on matters such as tax breaks for lenders, NI holidays, access to finance, prompt payment and the new enterprise allowance scheme.
The Forum began its submission by outlining the importance of the education system and how it should be better used to foster growth in numbers of young entrepreneurs.
Jane Bennett, the Forum’s Head of Campaigns, said: “Schools are vitally important because they are essentially where young minds are honed and appetites for working life whetted.
“They have a vital role to play in encouraging entrepreneurial spirit we recognise that and so do our members which is why we are calling for a greater focus by government on making sure schools are given the tools for the job. Th
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December 9, 2011, 9:35 pm
One of the most daunting problems faced by the owners of start-up businesses is raising capital. First time entrepreneurs often find it very difficult to collect funds for their business. Here are few tips for small business owners for collecting funds for their business:
Personal Funds: Gone are the days when entrepreneurs use to pitch investors with innovative technology ideas. Today, wealthy entrepreneurs prefer to dive into their own pocket. They use their personal funds to start a new business. Such entrepreneurs no longer have to convince anyone that their business idea is worth the risk. Another advantage of using personal funds is that you no longer have to pay high interest rates. However, by using personal funds you will face the risk of losing money, in case your business fails.
Personal Loans: Personal loans is another common way of collecting money for your business. Taking personal loans include borrowing money from family or friends for starting a new business. You need to convince your friends and acquaintances that investing in your business idea is a wise decision. Read full article…
November 18, 2011, 5:48 am
For survival, the objective of every business should be to bring in revenues which exceed their costs. Even non-profits have to do this to cover overhead costs, unless they rely totally on donations.
Yet I continue to see business plans, or even talk to founders, and can’t find the specifics of the business model anywhere.
As Guy Kawasaki says in his book “The Art of the Start,” if you can’t describe your business model in ten words or less, you don’t have a business model. Avoid whatever business jargon is currently hip, like strategic, mission-critical, world-class, synergistic, first-mover, or scalable. Try somet
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August 26, 2011, 7:23 pm
Founded in 2008, the contest, organised by BusinessZone.co.uk in association with marketing solutions company Yell, gives entrepreneurs running small businesses in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland the chance to pitch to judges and win £50,000 worth of business support including a year’s free mentoring from a successful serial entrepreneur, press coverage for their company and membership of the Forum of Private Business. The Northern Ireland heat takes place on 21 September in the inspiring surroundings of Belfast’s Grand Opera House when five entrepreneurs will pitch on stage to three experts. They are:
- Karen Darby, serial entrepreneur and founder of Simply Switch
- Carl Hopkins, marketing expert and star of Channel 4’s The Secret Millionaire
- Will McKee, one of Ireland’s most experienced board directors and investors
If you think you have what it takes to impress the judges visit www.thepitch2011.com to enter. The deadline for entries is 28 August. The Belfas Read full article…
August 25, 2011, 6:43 am
A business organization can get into several legal troubles. Hiring the services of a professional lawyer can help the organization to handle the legal issues properly, save it from unnecessary liabilities and future legal expenses. A competent business attorney will provide assistance in almost all the aspects of your business, including basic zoning compliance, intellectual property, business incorporation, labor issues, contracts, agreements, lawsuits and liabilities.
Here are few reasons for hiring a business attorney:
Avoid Legal Hassles: If you are planning to start a new business, you a business attorney can help you with the planning stage of your business. An experienced business attorney will also help you with the necessary paperwork and prevent you from making fatal mistakes while setting up your business. He will help you to understand complicated business rules and the potential liabilities associated with your small business. Further, a business lawyer will prevent you from violating any law. This will enable you to avoid hefty fines and penalties. Read full article…
June 27, 2011, 11:58 am
Many small business owners have been asking exactly how the health care bill will affect them. We don’t have a crystal ball but we will do our best to try to answer some of your most important questions.
What is the Timetable for Employers?
In 2011, the law will require individual and small group market plans to spend 80 percent of premium dollars on medical services. Large group plans have to spend at least 85%.
By 2014, employers who have more than 50 employees must offer health insurance benefits or pay penalties. Companies with 25 or fewer employees who meet certain wage requirements will also be able to get credits toward health insurance purchases.
By 2014, small-businesses owners, the self-employed and those who don’t get work-provided coverage can get benefits through Small Business Health Options Programs (SHOPs). These state-run marketplace exchanges will work with carriers to pool insurance options, with the hope that costs will be lower for a larger, more powerful, group.
How Will It Affect Employees? <
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