This ICAS business start-up guide aims to help you consider what advice or mentoring you may need, finding a mentor, preparing a business plan and identify appropriate funding. There are also tips on starting your own business and sources of further guidance.

This is a short and simple guide for those thinking about starting a business. It is not a comprehensive guide for all companies and circumstances.

It provides:

• A high level overview of what you need to know, based on the experience of those who have done it themselves
• Top tips and practical advice from ICAS Chartered Accountants who are successful entrepreneurs, including what helped them get their idea off the 
  ground
• Advice from investors and business angels who help to fund and advise new and growing businesses
• Links to further information on the internet.