“A must read for anyone starting a business. Mike's straight-talking approach is refreshing - and so bloody useful. He has so much experience to share.”
A book for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start a business but don't know where to begin.
This comprehensive, practical and user-friendly book contains everything you need to know about starting a business. As well as assessing and finessing your idea, you’ll learn about marketing, sales, finance, legal structures, and operations.
Turn your idea into income. The dream of starting a business often fades under the weight of uncertainty, unanswered questions, and rookie mistakes that cost both time and money. What if you had a trusted guide that showed you exactly what to do, while also giving you the mindset and confidence to see your vision through? With the right tools and frameworks, your path to entrepreneurship can be clearer, faster, and far less risky.
The Financial Times Guide to Starting a Business by business mentor Mike Foster is a 400-page practical handbook in print and e-book formats. Backed by the globally respected FT brand, it delivers battle-tested advice for today’s entrepreneurs.
Structured around the full start-up journey, each chapter blends clear explanations, checklists, and proven models. Friendly yet rigorous, it demystifies marketing, sales, finance, legal choices, and operations while nurturing the mindset essential for success.
Finish the book with a validated idea, a solid business plan, and the confidence to launch smart, save money, and grow sustainably.Ideal for employed professionals, side-hustlers, and early-stage founders who want a complete, credible start-up blueprint.
A complete, practical guide to help you every step of the way.
From shaping your idea to marketing, finance, legal structures, and operations – this book helps you build the mindset, skills and confidence to succeed.
Hear from Mike directly on what it takes to build a successful business.
Watch a selection of videos from Mike's YouTube channel where he shares practical advice, tips and insights from his years of experience as a business mentor.
How Mike helps entrepreneurs start, develop and grow their business through practical mentoring.
Get to know Mike Foster — the Entrepreneurs Mentor — and the story behind his mission to help business owners succeed.
An easier path to more customers, more time and more profits — Mike breaks down the 12 elements every business owner needs.
Free advice and insights to help you on your journey.
Practical articles on starting and growing a business taken from the blog at Entrepreneurs Mentor.
Practical strategies to build a sales pipeline, convert leads, and grow revenue from day one.
Read article →A clear guide to positioning, targeting the right customers, and choosing the marketing channels that work.
Read article →Demystifying the key financial metrics every founder needs to track to stay profitable and in control.
Read article →Order yours today!
Whether you want just the book or the complete starters package with all of the resources, there’s an option for you. Both options include the book with all of the content and insights from my many years of experience as a business mentor.
Own your copy of the FT Guide To Starting A Business.
£20
Book a one-on-one mentoring session with Mike to get you started.
£495
These are just a few of the wonderful reviews that readers have shared about the book.
“This is a great book, packed full of essential information and things to consider for anyone thinking of setting up their own business. Not just that, it's also great reference for an established small or growing businesses to refer back to for ideas and solutions.”
“Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but this book breaks it down into manageable steps and makes the whole process feel far more achievable.”
“The Financial Times Guide to Starting a Business is a brilliant foundation for all those wanting to branch out and own their own business. Easy to follow and interactive this book offers all the foundations you would need to plan and start your business.”
Mike Foster – The author behind 'The Financial Times Guide to Starting a Business'.
A business mentor who has run his own businesses and advised many more, Mike brings hands-on experience across strategy, marketing, finance, operations, and people management. He works with entrepreneurs to identify what matters most and build a sound foundation for growth.