Got an exciting business idea but not sure what the next step is? In this short guide, we’ll explain what to expect from a meeting with a business developer and answer some of the most common questions we get from new entrepreneurs.
During the first meeting, we’ll focus on getting to know each other. You’ll get to share more about your idea, and we’ll look at the best options for you. Together, we’ll explore different models and tools to really dive into your idea and make a solid plan for the future.
If you’ve already got a good grasp of entrepreneurship, we’ll move on to practical stuff, like building your network. And if we don’t have the expertise you need, we’ll connect you with someone in our network who does.
Once we get a sense of the challenges you’re facing, we can give you the best coaching, models, and tools to shape and structure your idea. We’re here as a neutral sounding board, and everything you share stays confidential. Together, we’ll figure out concrete steps to help you reach your goals. And who knows—maybe you’re not meant to do this journey alone? We can help you find potential partners within your network or ours!
As business developers, we get lots of questions every day from passionate entrepreneurs with exciting ideas. Some questions come up more often and usually during the very first meeting. Here are some of the most common ones we get:
You don’t need to prepare anything for our meetings —just bring your idea as it is! However, we do recommend taking a look at the NABC model. It’s a great tool to help clarify your idea and understand why it’s valuable for the market.
Whether your idea is good or not, we can’t say for sure—because we simply don’t know! The only real judge is the market—your potential customers. Our goal is to help YOU find that out by creating a first version of your idea and testing it with the market.
Absolutely! We can point you in the right direction for funding options and how to get started. Whether it’s grants, loans, or investments from business angels or venture capital, we’ve got tips for you. We also work closely with Almi Företagspartner for expert advice on financing.
We recommend checking out Verksamt.se. It’s a collaboration between the Swedish Tax Agency, Tillväxtverket, the Companies Registration Office, and the Employment Service. They’ll guide you through all the practical steps for starting, running, and growing your business.
Just getting started with your idea, or already made some progress? No matter where you’re at in your entrepreneurial journey, you’re always welcome to book a meeting with us at Science Park. When you book a business development session, you’ll be paired up with one of our experienced business developers. We can meet in person or online—whatever works best for you.
Our sessions are fully tailored to your idea and questions. We’re here to support you and help your idea reach its full potential. And the best part? Our coaching for new entrepreneurs is completely free and confidential. Ready to get started? Book a meeting here.
Book a meeting
Whether you just came up with your business idea or have been working on it for years, you’re always welcome at Science Park!
20 September 2024
20 September 2024
31 July 2024
Thinking about starting your own business on the side and becoming a “halfpreneur”? Maybe you want to turn your hobby into something more, make some extra cash while studying or working part-time, or solve a big challenge through entrepreneurship.
The common thread is that almost everyone has a strong passion to change something, solve a problem, or just create and share their skills and knowledge. That’s what drives so many cool businesses to get started every year!
Curious about starting your own side hustle? Awesome! We’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you out along the way.
Starting a business and making enough to pay yourself a full-time salary right away can be tough. That’s why keeping your day job while working on your side hustle can be the perfect combo. Quitting a stable job to go all-in on an idea that may or may not take off can feel scary—or even impossible financially. So, why not have the best of both worlds?
Being a “halfpreneur” means balancing your regular job with your own business. And once your business gets rolling, you can decide if you’re ready to take the plunge and go full-time!
In Sweden, there’s actually a law that allows you to take up to six months off from your job to try running your own business—as long as it doesn’t compete with your employer. How cool is that?
Just make sure to chat with your boss first, as policies around side gigs can vary. Be upfront and manage your work hours well—who knows, your boss could end up being a future client or even a big supporter of your business!
Keeping your job while starting a business gives you financial stability, even if it’s a bit less than usual. It’s a safer way to dip your toes into entrepreneurship without all the pressure.
Plus, working part-time on your passion project can be super rewarding. Whether you’re a creative, a developer, a consultant, or a writer, this setup can be the perfect way to bring your dreams to life.
Start by sketching out how much you think your business will make and how much you can cut back on your hours at your job.
Have an honest conversation with your boss about your plans. Being upfront means you can talk about your business openly and promote it without worrying about any conflicts.
Make sure you’re balancing your job and your business well. Stay on top of your schedule and commitments.
It’s easy to overbook yourself when you’re excited and motivated, but don’t overdo it. Keep track of your hours and make sure you have enough time for everything. Don’t be afraid to say no to projects or push deadlines out if you need to. Your well-being and your job come first!
Want to dip your toes in and work on your passion project without officially starting a company? Then a hobby business could be a good fit. It’s basically:
Something you do in your free time
Not your main source of income
Work that’s not done for someone else
You can read more about how it works on the Swedish Tax Agency’s website.
Another option is freelancing through an umbrella company. This means you’re linked to a company that handles all the admin stuff like invoicing and accounting for a small fee. It’s super convenient! But keep in mind, they’ll take a cut of your earnings, and you won’t qualify for startup grants or business expense deductions. So, once you’re feeling more confident, it’s worth starting your own company.
Check out Verksamt.se for more details on how it works.
v
Curious about how to take your hobby, skills, passion, or idea to the next level? Or maybe you’re wondering how to get started with your own business? You’re more than welcome to come see us at Science Park! You can book a free coaching session with one of our business developers.
Meet a Coach
