Business Plans

Practical guidance on developing business plans specifically for inventors seeking funding or partnerships. Topics include financial projections, product specifications, investment options and tax considerations for new inventions.

All About Share Options Schemes

How share option schemes work and which government-approved plans might suit your company or employees.

Balance Sheets

Track your invention's financial health with a personal balance sheet to monitor progress and impress investors or lenders.

Becoming an Entrepreneur

Inventors need to think and act like entrepreneurs, not just innovators, to turn ideas into successful businesses.

Break Even Analysis

Figure out when your invention stops losing money and starts turning a profit with break-even analysis.

Capital Equipment and Supply List

Deciding what equipment to buy as an inventor depends on your project stage, start small and rent or borrow before spending heavily.

Finding a Manufacturer

Work out the real costs and tradeoffs when choosing where to manufacture your invention, whether in the UK or abroad.

Five Business Strategies for Your Invention

Help your invention become a real business by mastering communication, knowing your customers, and applying strategic thinking to turn ideas into products.

Getting Help from a Business Mentor

A business mentor can help inventors avoid common pitfalls and solve problems that come up during product development.

Income Tax Actions/Considerations

Make sure you're paying the right income tax as a business owner or sole trader and keeping proper records for HMRC audits.

Invention Promoters

Most invention promotion companies charge high fees for poor research and marketing, but there are better ways to get your invention noticed.

Loan Applications for Your Invention

Banks rarely approve invention loans based on impressive demos anymore, so you'll need a solid business plan and collateral to get funding.

Making Ends Meet: Surviving Your First Year in Business

Keep your cash flowing and your bank relationship strong to survive your first year in business.

New Product Income Projections

Figure out when you can actually start making money from your invention and what affects those income projections.

Presenting the Product

Presenting your invention as a professional product rather than a hobby project makes it more credible and increases your chances of success.

Product Definition and Specifications

Writing down what your invention does, who needs it and why it's better helps guide your design decisions from concept to market.