Start Building your Future Knowledge.

Need some extra pocket money, looking to invest in your future, or simply have a great idea? There are a few ways you can kickstart your small business whilst you’re still in school.

1. What’s your big idea?

Many successful companies start from an interest or passion. If you focus on an idea that interests you, starting up a small business can be quite fun. Look at your hobbies, your strengths (maybe you’re a talented artist, musician, computer coder or gamer, fashionista, or make-up lover); or find ways to assist your community. Whatever you choose as your big idea, start to focus, and commit to understanding how you can turn that into your small business.

2. Let’s research

So, now that you have your business idea, let's see if you can make money from it. The easiest way to do this is to talk to your target market. This means reaching out to those who you think would benefit from your small business and are interested in what you are offering.

3. Start planning

A really important step in starting your small business is a business plan. A business plan will help you create a foundation and direction for your small business. It will help keep you on track to achieve your goals. A basic business plan can include:

• The name of your small business or big idea

• Are you selling a product or service?

• How much does your product or service cost?

• Who are your customers / target market?

• What do you need to start your small business?

• How will you tell people about your big idea?

4. Chat to your family

Get some advice from your family or someone you look up to. They can help you with the admin of starting up your small business. This could involve designing a logo, starting a website or social media page, opening a separate bank account, creating a price list, taking images of your product or service, and sending quotes or invoices.

5. Do you need money to start your big idea?

Depending on your small business, you could need a little money to get it going. This may be to buy materials or supplies if you are making something to sell or to subscribe to design program if you going to design products online.

Submit Business plan to: knowledgehub@1618.co.za to win R1000 Toy Kingdom Voucher.