General Business
Discover and share business advice, tips, and resources. Engage with experts and peers for support and insights in the business world.
26 topics in this forum
-
- 0 replies
- 17 views
Wanted to share a quick story that might help anyone dealing with tight closing timelines. I was in escrow and everything was on track—until my original lender backed out just 48 hours before closing 😬. In a bit of a scramble, I connected with a rep at RIF Bank, which specializes in same-day, no-collateral real estate loans. I sent over the required documents in the morning, and by that evening, the funds were in my account. The process was super smooth, and the interest rate came in around 5.25%, which was surprisingly competitive. If you’re ever in a bind or just want a reliable backup lender who doesn’t require mountains of paperwork, I can definitely recomme…
Last reply by realestateloans2025, -
-
.thumb.jpg.9a326b81463e93c77e56dee124e58784.jpg)
-
- 3 replies
- 98 views
Hi founders! At what stage of your start-up journey do you start thinking about investing in PR & Comms? I’m building a platform to help start-ups navigate Communications more strategically, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you’re open to filling a 2-min survey or a having a quick chat with me, I’d really appreciate it. The survey link is here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7T28FF7 I’m happy to share insights or brainstorm any Comms challenges you’re facing too, drop me a line 😊
.thumb.jpg.ac86d2a74ea829783a71838af3d3a096.jpg)
Last reply by Freya, -
-
-
- 5 replies
- 115 views
I'm all too familiar with the pitfalls of micromanagement, but since starting a business is so personal, how do you avoid it? I wouldn't say I'm a control freak. I just know what I envisage, and I'm concerned I'll be breathing down the necks of everyone who's working for me to make sure it all goes according to plan.
Last reply by Giedre Irtmonaite, -
-
- 3 replies
- 80 views
Which social media platforms do you use to advertise your startup? Do you have any tips for building a strong community? One quick trick I've learned is to ask a question at the end of a post in order to encourage engagement. It works about 7 out of 10 times.
Last reply by Giedre Irtmonaite, -
-
- 1 reply
- 329 views
Hello amazing members of Startup Networks! As we celebrate surpassing 200 members and receiving thousands of views each week, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to each one of you for being a vital part of our journey. Your active participation and insights have transformed our platform into a thriving hub for startups in the UK, offering unparalleled access to events, workshops, resources, funding help, and mentorship. But, as with any growing community, we recognise there's always room for improvement. Our mission is not only to sustain but to enhance the value we provide to you. Therefore, we're reaching out to gather your valuable feedback, advice, and …
Last reply by Freya, -
-
.thumb.png.7a97c8e35bb85fba05e4160bdbb4225d.png)
- 1 reply
- 43 views
I'm fascinated by the show, Dragon's Den, and would love an opportunity to pitch to Sara Davies. Even if you couldn't make a deal, it would still be a good way to get your product in public view. I found a great video about pitching that is worth a look if you're interested. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUDbA5qCZQg Which investor would you be most likely to connect with? I think appealing to their personalities helps with getting a deal. Have you been on the show?
Last reply by Lewis, -
- 2 replies
- 72 views
Creating a product or service without defining and narrowing your niche can make it difficult to define your goals, determine your target audience, and more. I'm finding it hard to do, though. Do you have any tips for narrowing your niche?
Last reply by Hercules, -
.thumb.jpg.43c34e344e9ce6c07b5212e2ccc769a1.jpg)
- 2 replies
- 59 views
Did you guys create the logo yourself, or did you hire it out? I'm not much for digital artwork, so I'll have to hire a professional to craft it. There's just one major problem -- I have no idea what it should be. I'm not the most creative person. Where could I go to find a designer to come up with a logo idea and create it for me?
Last reply by Rodey, -
Hiring the right talent is one of the biggest challenges for startups. Sorting through hundreds of applications, screening candidates, and ensuring the best fit—all while trying to scale your business—can be overwhelming. 🔹 What if AI could streamline your hiring process? 🔹 What if you could reduce time-to-hire by 50%? 🔹 What if every candidate was assessed objectively, beyond just keywords on a resume? At ByteSpark.ai, we’ve built an AI-powered recruitment platform that automates talent sourcing, shortlisting, and screening—giving you top-tier candidates in record time. Whether you're hiring your first team or scaling fast, our solution helps you: ✅ Fi…
Last reply by Ahtisham Hussain, -
-
-
- 2 replies
- 288 views
Hello everyone! We've added some amazing mentors to our platform who you can ask for advice, tips, tricks and more - a few of them have setup topics in /mentors-directory/ @Emily Koolen @Babita Devi @Sam Simpson @David Pearce These guys are absolutely amazing and experts at what they do! Please give them a warm welcome on the website! Kind regards, James.
.thumb.jpg.1248d1627185e1bc1f5a42e074034e39.jpg)
Last reply by D. Edmunds, -
-
- 0 replies
- 71 views
Hey everyone, Ricardo here! 👋 We’re excited to announce our next Startup Events London gathering, in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs – and trust me, you won’t want to miss this! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barclays-x-startup-events-genius-circle-for-entrepreneurs-tickets-1233026498449 📅 Date: 26th February 2025 📍 Location: Barclays Eagle Labs, 120 Moorgate, London 🎤 What’s Happening? ✅ Leadership Fireside Chat – Learn from top experts about scaling, leadership, and navigating startup challenges. ✅ The Genius Circle – A high-energy, interactive pitching session where founders get live feedback…
Last reply by Ricardo Pascual, -
-
- 7 replies
- 204 views
The countdown is on! ⏳ Who’s excited for our TikTok for Business, Open Mic Pitching & Panel event? 🙌 Expect high-energy networking, expert insights, and a chance to pitch your startup in front of an engaged audience! Plus, all recordings, pitch decks, and panel discussions will be available on Startup Networks after the event. 🔥 Who’s attending? 📅 28th January | 📍 London 🔗 Event Details & Tickets
Last reply by James, -
-
-
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 128 views
Are You Ready to Fully Commit to Your Business? Overview: Introduction Different Types of Commitment Startup Founders: The Involved vs. The Committed My Startup: Part-Time or Full-Time Commitment? The Long Game: Why Entrepreneurs Need to Commit Are you Suited for a Startup? Final Thoughts Introduction When you think of your startup, what’s your ultimate vision? Do you dream of building a family legacy—a company that you can pass on to future generations, like Ford or Walmart? Or do you envision launching a high-growth venture, scaling it quickly, and positioning it for acquisition in five years, like Instagram or…
Last reply by Connor Smith1, -
-
- 0 replies
- 334 views
EAA and WCAG accessibility requirements will become much more acute in June 2025. This means all businesses in the UK and Europe must adhere to these new guidelines, and if they don't, they could face penalties and even jail time if they reside in Ireland. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is a pivotal legal directive designed to enhance accessibility by establishing common accessibility rules throughout the EU. Luckily, there is more breathing room than this coming June as the requirements have been handed to the member states to enforce countrywide, allowing them until 2030 as the deadline for removing in-accessible products. So, what digital products and services do…
Last reply by Dan, -
-
- 2 replies
- 156 views
At Startup Networks, we're passionate about highlighting entrepreneurs who are doing incredible things in the startup world. That's why we've launched our blog, The Journal, where we feature inspiring stories of founders, innovators, and disruptors who are making an impact. Are you working on something groundbreaking? Do you want to share your startup journey with a wider audience? We're now taking new entries, and we'd love to hear from you! Why submit your story? Gain Exposure: Share your achievements and insights with a growing community of entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders. Inspire Others: Your journey could inspire other startups,…
Last reply by James, -
-
-
- 0 replies
- 133 views
Join us on 30th September for an evening of networking, pitching, and valuable insights at The Startup Events Berlin. This event is the perfect platform to immerse yourself in the heart of Berlin’s vibrant startup ecosystem! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/startup-events-berlin-networking-investor-relations-open-mic-pitching-tickets-1008421514897 Whether you're a founder, investor, or professional looking to connect with industry leaders, this is a must-attend event. Here’s why: 🎤 Pitch Your Startup: Selected startups will get 60 seconds to pitch their ideas to a room full of investors, founders, and experts. 💡 Expert Insights: A panel of industry leaders …
Last reply by James, -
-
In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying ahead in the recruitment game is more challenging than ever. Traditional methods of hiring are becoming increasingly inadequate in the face of rapid technological advancements and a fiercely competitive job market. To address these challenges, more companies are turning to digital solutions to streamline their hiring processes, enhance efficiency, and secure top talent. The Traditional Recruitment Challenges Recruitment traditionally involves labour-intensive processes that are both time-consuming and costly. HR professionals spend countless hours manually sorting thro…
Last reply by Raznameh Group, -
-
- 1 reply
- 313 views
Hello, I wanted to join one accelerator programme (mostly for the mentorship and training available), but I was told that my business needed to be already generating some sort of sales before I could apply/ be accepted, plus as well, it doesn't start until September. I'm all go to go, I just wanted to be on a scheme and talk with a mentor before I launch. Any accelerators out there? KR, JPR
Last reply by Harry, -
-
-
- 0 replies
- 239 views
Dear Startup Networks Community, We are thrilled to announce that we will soon be deploying a brand-new visual design for our homepage! This update is a significant step forward in enhancing your experience on our platform. As we are still in the beta phase, there may be some unexpected errors or issues that arise with the new design. We want to assure you that we will be rolling out hotfixes and bug fixes as quickly as possible to address any problems. Given that this new homepage is custom coded, your feedback is incredibly valuable to us. If you encounter any bugs or have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to let us know. Your input will help us imp…
Last reply by James, -
-
.thumb.png.2511b1a5f81739e0a0e21ba7fe665a69.png)
- 0 replies
- 311 views
www.underdogcrew.org Hey guys, Dom here, Director of The Underdog Crew. So sorry I couldn't be there last night but I know our people represented us impeccably. Thankyou so much to Jordyn for her incredible confidence in explaining just what our youth empowerment project is all about and to Joe and Li for their participation and capturing the magic of the evening. Please feel free to reach out to me if you believe in our pioneering youth project and would like to offer your support. Peace and love, Dom. db@megalodonstudios.co.uk
Last reply by Underdog Crew Studios, -
-
- 0 replies
- 194 views
Hello, wonderful members of Startup Networks! We're thrilled to announce a unique opportunity that's just opened up within our community: the search for a passionate and dedicated Grant Scout. This isn't just any user role; it's a chance to be at the forefront of empowering startups by uncovering and sharing the latest grant opportunities. Want to help our amazing forum and stand out as a thought-leader? What's in It for You? Exclusive Title: As a Grant Scout, you'll carry a custom user group title that distinguishes you from other members. Stylish Profile Flair: Stand out in the community with a special background for your forum profile, making yo…
Last reply by James, -
-
-
- 0 replies
- 222 views
Hey all! I'm sure you've all seen it - but we've now managed to get LinkedIn Sign in working! Apple Sign In Pending Google Sign in Pending It's all handled through their authentication, so it's secure and we don't see anything personal! 🙂
Last reply by James, -
-
-
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 210 views
Did you know that the wheel, once invented, took thousands of years to reach Europe from Mesopotamia? This slow pace of innovation is unthinkable today. Welcome to the dynamic world of modern innovation, where ideas travel faster than light and transform our world in the blink of an eye. Defining Innovation in Our Rapidly Changing World In today's fast-paced environment, innovation is not just about inventing new things; it's about breaking barriers and creating solutions that redefine our way of life. From smartphones that connect us instantly to any part of the globe, to medical breakthroughs that save millions of lives, innovation is the heartbeat of progress…
Last reply by Harry, -
-
-
- 1 reply
- 296 views
🌱 Thriving Spin-Out Ecosystems: Today's Innovations, Tomorrow's Growth We welcome the recent publication of the Government's Independent Review into University Spin-Out Companies. This pivotal report sheds light on how university spin-outs are not just innovative ventures but crucial drivers of economic growth and job creation. 👏🏽 Expert Insights: Our CEO's Contribution Duncan Johnson, our CEO, played an instrumental role as an advisor in this review. His insights, combined with the expertise from one of our founding universities, The University of Sheffield, have significantly contributed to the depth and scope of the review. 🔍 Key Findings: A Synopsis Th…
Last reply by James, -
-
- 0 replies
- 138 views
✍️ Founders, learn how to write copy that engages and converts! https://insights.appliostudios.co.uk/how-to/create-great-copy
Last reply by Ejaaz_Applio, -
-
- 0 replies
- 186 views
🤖 Off-the-shelf artificial intelligence solutions often fall short of addressing the unique challenges faced by SMEs. The Alan Turing Institute, a partner of the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, is excited to introduce their mentoring support offering 'Bespoke advice for SMEs'. Why get involved? Get direct access to experts, collaborating with top experts from The Alan Turing Institute, in addition to specialist support and guidance around your specific AI adoption challenges. Is your business ready to harness the potential of AI for growth and success? 👉 Express your interest by 21 December to be at the forefront of the AI transformation: https://iuk…
Last reply by Harry, -
.png.cb78656598707c7d11e1b64421a99f5c.png)
