Flying Start Workshops: How to create a winning business plan
- Thu 14 Aug 2025
- 10:00
- 12:00
- Online
- Free
What are Flying Start Workshops?
Whether you’ve a side hustle idea, want to turn a hobby into an income or you’re ready to go into full-time self-employment, Flying Start is here to help you take that first step – with confidence.
Brought to you by the North East BIC, Flying Start is a monthly series of five FREE live, online workshops, designed for people in Sunderland who are curious about becoming their own boss.
We cover all the business basics in a supportive environment where you’ll meet others on the same journey and start building your business know-how and self-belief you need to make your ideas happen.
Workshop two:
How to create a winning business plan
Thousands of people across the North East have launched successful businesses following our help to create a solid business plan – could you be next?
Whether you’re hoping to secure finance, build credibility with customers and suppliers, or just gain clarity for yourself, a strong business plan is essential to getting off to a flying start.
In this second Flying Start workshop, we’ll show you how to take the fear out of planning and turn your idea into a practical plan that works. Using the Business Model Canvas, an easy one-page technique, you’ll create a plan that puts you in control of your business journey.
After all, nobody knows your idea better than you – we’ll just show you how to structure it and bring it to life.
What you’ll learn
By the end of the workshop, you’ll know:
- Understand the benefits of a concrete business plan
- Learn how to structure and write your plan with confidence
- See how to plan for the future and prepare for common challenges
- Discover the building blocks for a successful plan
- How to use AI as a helpful assistant to shape parts of your plan – and understand its limitations
No jargon. No pressure. Just honest advice, friendly support, and everything you need to get things off to a successful start.
Who it’s for
This event is perfect for:
- People living in the Sunderland Local Authority Area
- Those with a business idea or curiosity about self-employment
- Anyone who hasn’t registered as self-employed with HMRC
- Learners who like to get answers to questions there and then
Meet your workshop hosts
You’ll be supported throughout by one of our experienced and friendly business advisers, who’ve all run their own businesses and know the reality of self-employment.
Hina Joshi
Helen Wardropper
John Forth
Ongoing Support
After learning the business basics from the Flying Start workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to book a free one-to-one session with a business adviser to dive deeper into your business idea and build a plan that suits your goals and circumstances. This is your gateway to everything else the BIC offers to help businesses get off the ground and grow.
You’ll also unlock free access to 44 Smarta online learning modules to explore topics including digital marketing, intellectual property, health and safety, and more. Dip in and out at your own pace to go deeper into topics that interest you most.
Can’t make the date?
It’s a rolling programme – start at the beginning and follow the full series, or pick up missed sessions next month. If you prefer to learn in your own time online, Smarta’s eLearning might be what you’re looking for. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the format that fits.
Book your place
Booking is essential – register at least 48 hours in advance.
To secure your free place complete the booking form below.
Once you’ve registered, we’ll get in touch to confirm your place. Your workshop link will be sent the day before the event, so it’s fresh in your inbox.
