- Information & toolkits
- Start or launch something new
How to… write your first business plan
You’ve got a bold idea to tackle a social or environmental issue. Now it’s time to turn that idea into action. A business plan is your starting point.
SSE Trustee John Brown distils the key lessons he learned over decades of building and running successful enterprises. Drawing on his journey from publishing to founding his own company, he shares ten practical principles that apply to both social and commercial ventures.
John emphasises choosing work you genuinely enjoy, taking responsibility for making things happen, and ensuring you have a product or service people truly want. He highlights the importance of creating a solid business plan, securing enough finance to sustain the early stages, and having the courage to take the leap when the moment comes.
He also stresses the value of monthly management accounts, thoughtful people management, staying humble even when things go well, trusting your own judgement, and knowing when it’s time to move on. His advice offers grounded, experience‑driven guidance for anyone starting or growing an enterprise.
Related resources
- Videos & webinars
- Start or launch something new
Witness session: Tips for start ups
Simon Boyle shares practical start‑up advice: find a mentor, challenge yourself, build a strong team, communicate your vision, seek support, celebrate small wins, and keep growing.
- Videos & webinars
- Grow or scale an existing idea/project
Witness session: Growing a social enterprise
June O'Sullivan, CEO of London Early Years Foundation, shares her experience scaling a social enterprise.
- Information & toolkits
- Build specific skills
How to market and sell your social enterprise
Practical tips to help you get your sales and marketing up and running.