Whether you’ve a side hustle idea, want to turn a hobby into income or you’re ready to go into full-time self-employment, this is for you!

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 FREE live, 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 three: How to manage your finances

Understanding the numbers behind your business is one of the most important – and often intimidating parts – of getting started. But it doesn’t have to be.

In this informal session, we’ll cover the essential financial terms, tools, and techniques you need to manage your money and plan ahead with confidence.

Bringing you together with others on the same journey, this third workshop in the Flying Start series will answer the big questions around what it costs to run a business, how much you need to earn to make it work and what HMRC expects from you.

We’ll also show how your financial forecasting links directly to your business plan and market research, helping you make smarter, better-informed decisions as you bring your idea to life.

What you’ll learn

By the end of the workshop, you’ll know:

Understand key financial terms and phrases every business owner should know

Learn how AI tools can support financial planning – and why it’s essential to understand and validate the numbers yourself

Know the importance of monitoring your finances from day one

Discover options for external finance, such as loans and grants

Gain clarity on HMRC requirements, including Tax and National Insurance contributions

Explore the pricing process and why getting it right matters

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

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.

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.

Description supplied by the event organiser.