It’s an incredibly exciting time to be starting a business and with more and more new launches every year the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the UK, but what will make your business stand out from the crowd?

Entrepreneurs, by their very nature, must dare to be different, to think outside the box. Not only must they be fearless, innovative and determined, but they need to have that special creativity that sparks a unique idea or way of working that will make people stop and take notice of you.

Orange share this vision for businesses, which is why they are running their Different Business competition. They want to hear your business ideas, the ideas that will be different and that will mark you out as an inspirational entrepreneur ready to bring about changes that will leave your competition far behind.

Different Business isn’t just about finding a great idea and handing over money to the winner. Today’s new launches need support beyond monetary prizes, and that is why with Orange you will also receive the advice and support that’s needed to put you on the right path to success. This kind of support is invaluable and will put your business in a different league to other start ups. The prize is worth up to £200,000 and includes not just investment capital but legal advice, business planning advice, mentoring, and marketing consultancy.

Here we look at why you need a business plan - a well written business plan that is.

Setting up a Business – your business plan will enable you to see the steps required to start your business including what needs to be done and how you will go about achieving your aims.

Is it a Feasible Idea? - by setting out your financial forecasts and identifying your target market you will be able to see if you have a sound business idea.

There's been a lot of talk about crowdfunding and in particular the website, Crowdcube, which is the world's first equity-based crowdfunding community dedicated to business investment. A second business has now successfully raised capital using this website.

Personal Development Bureau, which helps unemployed ex-forces personnel into work, has gained £25,000 through 68 investors who contributed between £10 and £3,300. In return the company gave away 15% equity. It's hoped the funds will help the Personal Development Bureau help thousands of people find employment.

One of the really great things about Crowdcube is its simplicity. To start looking for investment create an online Pitch, promote it to people you think might invest in your business and start seeing the investment money come in. By promoting your Pitch online and encouraging people to spread the word you’ll be able to attract investors from all walks of life, and when you reach your target you'll receive the money to help grow your business. One small business owner that has already seen the benefits of Crowdcube is Bubble & Balm which, after being turned down for investment by banks, has raised £75,000 through the website from 82 different investors.

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