Philip's 12-week start-up challenge: Week 8 - Getting the cash, building the site and selling granola

StartUp Saturday alumni Philip Crilly is sharing his progress with Enterprise Nation readers as he seeks to get his gluten-free food business Eatibbles launched in just 12 weeks. Here's week eight - two-thirds of the way through the challenge, and Philip is starting to get serious about cash, visibility and sales.

So we're at week eight and I'm thinking about funding, website design and selling, writes Philip (left). I need your tips and ideas! In terms of funding, I've been approached by a couple of companies who offer funding support to young enterprises. I'm keen to get your feedback on this. Have you been approached by similar companies? What is your impression of this? I'm so new to this that I'm not sure who to trust! What has been your experience?

Crowdfunding Eatibbles

Also, I've read a lot about crowdfunding recently. I can really see the benefit of this as I imagine the people who want your brand to succeed will also be the same people who want to invest in it and see it grow. So this is where I'd love your feedback. If I were to look into crowdfunding, what would you want me to offer in return for investment? A friend suggested:

- £25 would give you a month's supply of Eatibbles granola (ie, four packs of granola) and a copy of my free book (Healthy Tips for Life).

- £50 would provide two months' supply of our granola (ie, eight packs of granola) and a copy of my free book (Healthy Tips for Life).

- £100 would provide four months' supply of granola (ie, 16 packs of granola), a free copy of my book and an Eatibbles apron.

- £1,000 would provide six months' supply of granola (ie, 24 packs of granola), a free copy of my book, an Eatibbles apron and a credit in the history of Eatibbles (the people who started it all).

I really am keen to get your insight into what you would be willing to invest in, so please do leave a comment below, on my Twitter timeline or on the Eatibbles Facebook page. If you would be willing to invest more, please let me know what you would want for your investment.

Getting the website right

My website is in the process of being designed so that it can be launched before the end of my 12-week deadline. So I'm keen to get your opinions!

• What websites do you love?

• What websites excite you and make you want to re-visit again and again?

I have come across a number of websites that I really love, including Johnny Cupcakes - which is quirky, funny and full of personality - and flavourly, which is clear, concise and fun. I'm sure there are loads of websites that you love, so please give me some hints and tips. Tell me why you love them and what keeps you coming back for more.

"Ultimately, I'd love to see Eatibbles for sale in a large supermarket chain."

And selling...

Ultimately, I'd love to see Eatibbles for sale in a large supermarket chain. I guess initially it is best suited to Waitrose, where I've heard they are very understanding of new brands and do support new brand launches.

• Do you know anyone within these companies who could offer Eatibbles advice and support?

• What do the buyers within the large supermarket chains look for in new brands?

Any advice is much appreciated! Until next week, thanks for reading! Philip :)

• Follow Philip on Twitter

• Become a friend of Eatibbles on Facebook

• Catch up with Philip's 12-week start-up challenge so far

Start YOUR business with Enterprise Nation - and get 25% off!

Our popular StartUp Saturday classes and StartUp Workshops have helped hundreds of budding entrepreneurs like Philip get their idea off the ground. Join the Enterprise Nation Club for just £20 and you'll get 25% off all our events, plus loads of other great offers and opportunities. Join the Club today!