Webhosting Business Plan

[Technics]

I am myself currently considering and toying with the idea of moving into the webhosting market.

I have already choosen who i shall resell for, KDAWebServices.

What i'd like to know is just how exactly you go about convincing a bank to loan you the money to start up.

What kind of marketing stratergy would be best? advertise in magazines or buy space on hosting directories? or even both?

I've decided to target small companies and individuals rather than trying to win the contracts of major corporate compaines. Also really going to make my target audience developing countries like England, Australlia, New Zealand and so forth. Theres already a lot of competition in the US market.

Some friendly advise would also be welcome :)

[Tommy]

A Business Plan definitely is needed. The marketing issues is just one of the details within the business plan. There are many more and you will need answers for all of them.

Inc.com is a great place to go for advice on business plans. This page gives you an overview of the headings you will need to address: http://www.inc.com/search/18470.html

[James]

I'd also suggest that you invest in a business planning software. It will help structure your plans in a way thats more suited to lenders. A product I've used is Business Plan Pro http://www.paloalto.com/ps/bp/

If you dont want to invest the $99 on the software, they actually give some template examples on the site, which can give you ideas on what to include in your presentation.

[Jaiem]

If you're going to a traditional bank, you will have (to put it mildly) an up-hill-battle.

Try the SBA and various other small business resources.

Just out of curiosity, what kinds of things are you planning to spend on such that you feel you need a bank loan?

[Tommy]

It's also worth investigating into grants. A few years ago some under 21's could qualify for a couple of thousand pounds from the Prince's Trust for staring a small business. There may still be a scheme running.

[Technics]

I've contacted the Prince's trust it's 16-25 year olds.

They are sending me an information pack and arranging for a bank manager to sit down with me to sort out what needs to go into my business plan etc etc..

[Tommy]

Hey thats a great start. Let us know how you get on, I knew a guy who got £1000 to put on an event in a London nightclub so fingers crossed :good:

[edatahost]

check out this freeware

http://www.sisd.com/freeside/

ps. why pay if you can get it for free