Start by talking to real people who might actually pay for what you're offering. Not friends who'll tell you it's brilliant no matter what. Actual potential customers. Ask them about their problems, not about your solution. If they're already spending money trying to solve the issue you're addressing, that's a good sign. Market research doesn't need to be complicated. Sometimes it's just having fifteen honest conversations.

Competition usually means there's a market. That's actually reassuring. The question becomes: what can you do differently or better? Maybe it's your approach, your specific audience, or just the way you communicate. Look at cafes. There are thousands in Australia, but people still open new ones because they bring something distinct to their neighbourhood.

Depends entirely on what you're building. Service businesses can start with almost nothing. Product businesses need inventory. But here's what we've noticed: people often overestimate what they need initially. Start with the minimum that lets you test your idea with real customers. You can always scale up once you know it works. We've seen businesses launch with 0 and others that needed ,000. Both can succeed if the fundamentals are right.

Most people we work with don't. They test their idea while keeping their income steady. It takes longer, sure, but it's less stressful. You can validate your concept, build initial traction, and then make the jump when you've got some momentum. The "quit everything and go all in" story sounds dramatic, but it's not the only path. And frankly, it's not usually the smartest one.

Some people know immediately what they want to build. Others spend months exploring options. There's no standard timeline. What matters more is having a structured approach to evaluating ideas rather than just waiting for inspiration to strike. When you're actively looking at problems, talking to potential customers, and testing assumptions, things move faster. Our programs typically run 8-12 months because that gives you time to explore properly without rushing.

Neither did most successful business owners when they started. You learn as you go. The important stuff isn't that complicated once someone breaks it down properly. Understanding your customers, managing cash flow, making decisions with limited information – these are skills you develop through practice. A business degree can help, but it's not required. Curiosity and willingness to figure things out matters more.

Most ideas don't need protecting because execution matters more than the concept itself. Ten people can have the same idea and build completely different businesses. That said, if you're developing unique intellectual property or technology, talk to a lawyer about patents or trademarks. For most small businesses, focusing on building relationships with customers and moving quickly is better protection than any legal document.