Online tests

The Get2test website helps you test your enterprising potential and tendencies. The Test My Creativity website helps you test your creativity.

20 Questions Workbook

The 20 questions workbook (PDF: 140KB) encourages you to think through some of the fundamental questions you need to answer before you launch a new business. This includes why would your customers buy from you, why you want to start this business, and why now.

Creative Enterprise Toolkit

NESTA has developed a range of fantastic tools that allow you to develop your business ideas. From personal values to planning marketing activities, everything is covered in this toolkit.

Creative Boom

If you’re thinking of starting a freelance career, you can find advice on the Creative Boom site. Their articles include tips on starting up your business, building and maintaining your client base and managing your career as a freelancer.  

Digital Business Academy

The Digital Business Academy from Tech Nation has more than 50 free courses from University College London, the University of Cambridge, and other industry experts designed to help you gain the skills to start, grow or join a digital business.

START UP Video Resources

We have created a selection of on-demand masterclass videos on various topics to help you on your start-up journey. 

COBRA

Our COBRA site is full of useful factsheets. The site can help you find key information relating to your business idea or for specific aspects of business, eg intellectual property or marketing. To access COBRA, log in to MyCareer and click on the Resources tab in the top right-hand corner.

MINTEL

MINTEL is a comprehensive market research database. It gives you access to information highlighting the latest trends for your sector. This database is available through the Newcastle University Library website (this resource is only available to current Newcastle University students).

Mom Test 

Most people agree that conducting market research before launching a new business is a good thing. But how do you know what questions to ask? The Mom Test shows you how to ask questions in a way that not even your mother could lie to you.

Business Model Canvas

The business model canvas enables you to think about your new idea as a business. It helps you to consider the different elements of your business and to adapt your plans as you learn more about the sector you’re entering and respond to customer feedback. Watch this short video to learn how to use the canvas effectively.

HMRC Resources

HMRC provides a full range of interactive resources helping you to understand the legal regulations around being self-employed.

Intellectual Property (IP) Office

The IPO provides training and support on IP, with specific resources for students. The resources cover how IP works, what can be protected using patents, copyright, trademarks and designs as well as how to manage IP.

Department for International Trade

The Department for International Trade (formerly UKTI), has a huge range of resources for UK-based companies looking to export goods overseas:

• Export Savvy – 8 free online modules covering exploring your exporting potential, preparing your business for export, selecting and managing partners, legal, logistical and financial considerations and communications and marketing.
• country guides on exporting and selling to specific countries (they are currently in the process of updating them all).
• an online marketplace finder aimed at matching exporters with suitable online marketplaces to sell their products overseas.
• an E-Exporting programme to help UK brands and retailers export products through e-commerce
• a directory of live opportunities for exporting a wide range of products and services to multiple countries.
• a networking platform that allows UK companies to create a profile, find and connect with potential overseas buyers, and get access to information about events where the buyers will be present.
• overseas trade missions that provide a unique opportunity for companies of all sectors with little or no export experience, to increase their understanding on how to sell their goods or services in international markets.