Stage 5:
Business Launch

This is the stage where you build the foundations of your business before you launch. It’s the time when your startup vision starts to become a reality.

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During Launch Readiness, you’ll implement the building blocks of your design to get ready to trade.

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Objectives

The goal of Launch Readiness is to prepare your new business for launch. Doing this well, will set you up to operate smoothly from day one and provide the platform from which to attract your first customers and serve them with fewer glitches and teething issues.

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The goals for this process are:

• Establish your business as an entity.

• Put your financial arrangements in place.

• Select the right suppliers.

• Develop a marketing plan.

• Put in place methods to track your progress.

• Develop a launch plan.

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Foundations

Until now, the work you’ve been doing on your startup business has been theoretical. This is the stage where you begin to translate your theory into reality.

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This stage comprises a series of discrete actions to get you ready for launch day. Some of these actions are essential, such as setting up your financial arrangements and developing a marketing plan. Others, such as buying stock or developing a website, will depend on the type of business that you’re going to operate.

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We recommend that you review each step listed on the Launch Business page, to decide whether it's relevant to you.

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Using this process

This document is not intended to be a step-by-step guide. That information is on the Launch Business webpage.

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On the webpage, the phase is broken down into several steps, with each step containing:

• A description of the step and how it works

• Resources like guides, blog posts, tools, or templates that can help you with this process step. Click on the button to access the resources as needed.

• Links to resources elsewhere on the web that can help you with this step

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Review each step in turn and, if it’s relevant to your business, use the resources that most suit how you like to work.

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Support for the process

If you get stuck on any part of this process, you have resources at your disposal.

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• Resources – Explore resources available on the site, including some not linked to in the process. For example:

  • Framework Overview

  • Blog

  • Templates

  • Web Link Resource Library

  • Suggested Reading

  • Podcasts

• Community Forum – Access our community of start-up owners. Share your experiences, ask for help, help others, or just hang out.

• Expert Advice – If you’re really stuck, or need some face-to-face advice, book a 1-1 mentoring session with our founder and expert mentor, Derek Williams

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Conclusion

The Launch Readiness process will provide you what you need to prepare your business to operate.  When this step is complete, you should be ready to attract, engage and trade with your first customers.

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We want to make your start-up journey enjoyable, successful, and as easy as possible. If you find any aspect of the site confusing or lacking, please advise on our Contact Form and we'll improve it.

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Finally, if you’re feeling lost, head to the Toolshed Community Forum, and get some help from a fellow start-up owner or a mentor.