Just starting out

If you’re thinking about starting a business, you’re in the right place 

It’s completely normal to feel excited, unsure, or somewhere in between. At this early stage, you don’t need a full plan, just an idea, a spark, or the sense that you want to work for yourself.

This page will help you explore your idea with clarity, confidence, and the right support behind you.

3 things to think about at this stage

These simple prompts can help you shape your thinking before you take the next step:

  1. What problem are you solving and for whom?
    Thinking about who needs your idea helps you focus on what matters most.
  2. What makes your idea different?
    It doesn’t have to be unique, just valuable in a way that works for your customers.
  3. What support or skills might help you move forward?
    You don’t need to know everything; Business Wales can help fill the gaps. 

Where Business Wales can help

Thinking of starting a business? Online learning modules you can complete at your own pace, including: Is starting a business right for you? and Developing your business idea

Business Startup Factsheet. Guidance on choosing a business type and setting up a business

Role models, Big Ideas Wales. Case studies and inspiration from real business owners


Real stories from people who started exactly where you are

Retired Doctor to launching new online business Former NHS worker shines light on personal wellness with new virtual business

Redundancy leads to new skincare business success Business Wales backs skincare entrepreneur’s move from redundancy to resilience

Cyber expert builds business helping firms stay safe Web wizard sets up service to save companies from rising cyber attacks


Your next step

  • Explore BOSS - Thinking of starting a business
    Create a free account to access tools and resources to take some first steps towards starting your own business at your own pace. Log in to complete our “Is starting a business right for you?” and “Developing your business idea” online courses.
  • Find local support near you
    Contact your local team for events and advice. engagement@businesswales.org
  • And when you feel ready to take things further, you can register for our Start Up Service, where more tailored tools and support is available.

Whatever pace you want to move at, we’re here to help you build your business, your way.
 


Popular Services and Topics

Starting a business of your own is a huge and exciting challenge. This guide outlines some of the key things you should consider before you take that big step.

Use our finance locator to find finance options and how to choose the right type of finance for you.

Planning what you want to do in your business is an important part of making your business a success.

When you are starting a business, market research can help you check the feasibility of your business idea and shape it for success.

Provides guidance and some options to help you develop a business idea.

Provides free, fast and friendly Welsh translation and advice to help you use more Welsh in your business, charity or community group.


Business Wales Helpline

03000 6 03000

Lines are open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Rydym yn croesawu galwadau'n Gymraeg.