Start Smart
Smart Start helps turn ideas into structured organisations, guiding new founders through planning, setup, and branding.
Programme Description
Smart Start is designed for individuals and community groups at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, those with a clear idea, a tested concept, or a strong sense of purpose, but who now need structure to move forward. Whether you're looking to launch a CIC, charity, or private business, many aspiring founders face common challenges: uncertainty around legal structure, lack of operational planning, unclear branding, and confusion around compliance.
This program provides a step-by-step foundation for turning your passion into a purposeful, legally sound, and operationally ready organisation. Through expert-led sessions, templates, and real-world tools, participants gain the clarity, confidence, and capability needed to shift from vision to execution. By the end of the program, you'll have the strategic, structural, and creative groundwork in place to launch with confidence and grow sustainably.
Programme Structure
Week 1: Mindset & Vision
- Clarify the kind of business you’re building by exploring your founder’s mindset, personal values, and long-term purpose.
Week 2: Legal & Structural Setup
- Understand different business types — from CICs and Ltd companies to charities and sole traders — and learn how to register, structure, and stay compliant.
Week 3: Business Model Canvas
- Learn how to define your core offer, target customers, value proposition, and revenue streams using the Business Model Canvas.
Week 4: Branding & Visibility
- Build a brand from the ground up — including naming, identity, and messaging — and learn how to make your business visible to the right audience.
Week 5: Marketing Foundations
- Dive into audience research, define your ideal customer, and create a marketing plan that connects and converts.
Week 6: Operational Planning
- Map out how your business will run — including service delivery, internal systems, team roles, and practical next steps for growth.
Programme Benefits
- Start with clarity by aligning your vision, mindset, and mission
- Set up your business legally and structurally with confidence
- Design a business model that’s purposeful, practical, and profitable
- Build a brand that reflects your values and stands out in your market
- Learn how to reach your audience and communicate effectively
- Create a realistic operational plan to move your business forward