How to test your start-up idea for next to nothing

Finding a way to cheaply test the idea for your start-up helps reduce risk and makes sure you learn quickly. We spoke to founders about their experience of bootstrapping, from building an AI-powered market intelligence company to launching a vegan restaurant.

Are you starting a business? We've shared the resources you need to research your idea and find a profitable niche.

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The advice you need to start testing and validating your business idea, including interviews with some amazing entrepreneurs.

Chris has over a decade of experience writing about small businesses and startups. He runs content agency <a href='https://inkwellagency.co.uk/' target='_self'>Inkwell</a>, which works closely with Enterprise Nation. You can find him on Twitter at <a href='https://twitter.com/CPGoodfellow' target='_self'>@CPGoodfellow</a>.

Staff writer

Step two of your start-up journey: Market research

StartUp in 2020 step two: How to research your idea

The advice you need to start testing and validating your business idea, including interviews with some amazing entrepreneurs.



I'm a <a href='http://www.danmartinuk.com'>freelance content creator and event host</a> who helps small businesses and the organisations that support them. I have 18 years of experience as a small business journalist having interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs from billionaires like Sir Richard Branson to the founders behind brand new start-ups. I've worked for a range of leading small business publications and support groups, most recently as head of content at Enterprise Nation where I was responsible for the prolific output of content on the company's blog and social media. I'm based in Bristol where I run and host regular events with the local small business community and have strong connections to major business organisations in the south west region. In total, I've hosted over 50 events; from intimate meet-ups to conferences with an audience of hundreds including events for international brands like Facebook and Xero. I'm also a big fan of podcasts having hosted Enterprise Nation's Small Business Sessions as well as lots of online events including Facebook Live interviews, webinars and three live web chats from inside 10 Downing Street. With my partner, I co-run Lifestyle District, a lifestyle blog focused on culture, art, theatre and photography.

I'm here to help. I'm volunteering free advice calls of up to an hour as part of the Recovery Advice for Business scheme, over the next 6 months. Please get in touch to see how I can help your business.&nbsp;

Freelance content creator & event host

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&lt;p&gt;Flexible Workspace operator with 7 locations. Here to support throughout your business journey providing you with a range of services to help whether you are a new start-up or a more established business.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.ubcuk.com/"&gt;https://www.ubcuk.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Flexible Office Experts - 7 Locations

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Engage with like-minded business owners across the UK, make new connections, ask and answer questions, share ideas. skills, experiences, and opinions.

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Finding and Talking to your Customers

&lt;p&gt;What will you get?&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;You will have a wonderfully effective and easy to implement marketing playbook.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;What you cover&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;How to really get to know your customers; who they are, where they spend their time.&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;How to talk to them, and why they should care about you.&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;How to select the right channels to interact.&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;How to get them excited.&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;You

StartUp in 2020 step two: How to research your idea

How to test your start-up idea for next to nothing

Continue your journey to StartUp in 2020

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