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Key Steps in Starting a Business

Here are the key steps to starting your own business.  Under each step we have listed the information and services that are available from this site and from the South Dublin County Enterprise Board to help you accomplish that step.

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Before you begin, have a look at the articles in the General Busienss Development category in our Advice Articles section, particularly those entitled "Thinking of Starting a Business?" and "Look before you Leap"

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 Research the market thoroughly and objectively, including an analysis of competitive strengths and weaknesses

1. The Internet is a wonderful research resource.  Search our links section for websites relevant to Marketing and Sales
2. Read the article on Feasibility Studies in our Advice Articles 
3. Watch our Training section for the next training courses on marketing and market research
4. Apply for a Mentor to help you to plan and manage your research.
5. Apply for our Innovation Grants, which can be used to fund market research

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 Design the product or service, concentrating on Quality/value and uniqueness

1. The South Dublin County Enterprise Board offers Innovation Grants, which can be used to fund prototype development 
2. Apply for a Mentor to help you plan and manage your product development

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 Write a comprehensive and practical business plan that deals with all of the critical success factors

1. Apply for a Mentor to help you research and write a business plan
2. Use the Business Planning Workbook in our downloads section
3. Watch our Training section for the next "Start-up to Succeed" course
4. Read the articles concerned with Business Planning in our Advice Articles section

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 Source and secure the required resources (finance, premises, equipment, materials and personnel)

1. Check out the brochure on our Financial Support Services
2. Apply for Financial Support using the Application Form from our Downloads section 

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 Establish the appropriate legal framework and financial controls (including all the necessary certificates and registrations)

1. Apply for a Mentor to help you set up good financial controls
2. Watch our Training section for courses on financial management and credit control

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 Launch the business with maximum publicity

1. Apply for a Mentor to help you plan and implement the promotion of your business
2. Watch our Training section for courses on "Expanding your Business Image"

    

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