You’ve got the idea.
Now let’s build the business.
Start Up School is an 8-week practical programme designed to help you turn your business idea into something real.
Starting a business doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right support, simple tools, and a clear step-by-step path, you can turn an idea into something real, purposeful, and profitable — something that works alongside work, family life, or a busy schedule.
Start up school is an 8 week online programme
our next cohort starts on Monday 21th September and runs to Friday 13th November
Who Start Up School Is For
Start Up School is designed for anyone who wants to build something of their own without the confusion or stress. It’s a perfect fit if you:
- Have an idea but don’t know how to get started
- Want to turn a hobby or skill into income
- Keep circling around the same ideas but never take action
- Feel overwhelmed by marketing, audience growth or “tech stuff”
- Want support, encouragement, and a clear structure
- Are ready to take your business seriously — even if you’re starting small
If you’ve ever said “I want to start a business” this is exactly the programme for you.
Start Up School: Your 8 Week Journey from Idea to Action
Over eight weeks, Start Up School will help you take your business idea and begin turning it into something real. You’ll get clearer on what you want to create, who you want to help and how your business can make a difference to the people you want to reach.
As we work through the programme, you’ll create a practical marketing plan, develop content that connects with your audience and learn how to grow your visibility and build relationships with potential customers. You’ll also start building your email audience and create a plan for launching and selling what you offer.
By the end of Start Up School, you’ll have a strong business foundation, a clear sense of direction and practical plans that you can continue putting into action.
Most importantly, you’ll be able to look at how far you’ve come and say, “I’m building my business.”
And this is just the beginning.
Five key areas to help you build your business
Start Up School is built around the Shine Start Up Framework, our practical approach to developing a new business.
Across the programme, we’ll work through five essential areas: Foundation, Focus, Visibility, Connection and Growth.
Each area gives you another important piece of your business, and together they create a framework you can continue using long after the eight weeks are complete.
foundation
Build something worth building.
We begin by getting clear on your business idea, your reasons for creating it, your goals and what you want your business to make possible.
focus
Know who you’re here to help.
You’ll develop a deeper understanding of your audience, what matters to them and how your business can help. We’ll also start shaping a clear message that makes it easier to talk about what you do.
visibility
Help the right people find you.
We’ll explore how to get your business seen through purposeful content and social media, helping you choose the right ways to show up and share what you do.
connection
Create real relationships.
Great businesses are built around people. You’ll learn how to grow and nurture your audience, develop your email list and create genuine connections with potential customers.
growth
Turn your idea into income.
We’ll bring everything together as you create a plan to launch, sell and continue developing your business.
Build the foundation. Find your focus. Get visible. Create connection. Grow your business.
Build a business that works for you
We believe that building a successful business starts with understanding what success means to you.
Your business might be something you build alongside your job. It could create additional income for your family, give you more flexibility, eventually become your full-time work or allow you to spend your time doing something you genuinely enjoy.
You might have a skill you want to share, an idea you believe in or a service you know could make a difference to someone else.
Whatever your motivation, we want to help you create a business that supports the life you want to build.
There isn’t one definition of a successful business. Start Up School will give you the tools and structure to start creating your version of it.
Is Start Up School for you?
Start Up School has been created for people at the beginning of their business journey and for newer business owners who want to strengthen what they’ve already started.
It could be a great fit if you have an idea you’re excited to explore, you’re ready to turn a side hustle into something more structured, or you’ve already started your business and want greater clarity around your audience, marketing and next steps.
You might also have several ideas and want help bringing them together into a clear direction, or simply be ready to give your business the dedicated time and attention it deserves.
You don’t need previous business or marketing experience to join. We’ll work through the programme together, one practical step at a time.
What’s included
Your £99 Start Up School place gives you access to the complete eight-week programme.
You’ll receive weekly practical business training covering each stage of the Shine Start Up Framework, alongside workbooks and exercises designed to help you apply what you’re learning directly to your own business.
You’ll also have practical tools, templates and resources to support the work we’re doing, plus opportunities for support and connection as you build alongside other people who are creating businesses of their own.
Everything has been designed with one purpose: to help you make meaningful progress on your business during the eight weeks.
about us
Shine Business Academy is a supportive space for people who want to build a business that works in real life. We focus on practical marketing, confidence-building, and clear step-by-step strategies that help new entrepreneurs make steady progress without the overwhelm. Through our membership, resources, and community, we help people grow their audience, build simple funnels, and create sustainable income — all with encouragement, clarity, and support along the way.
about your host
Hi, I’m Lorna — a business owner, coach, and mum from Scotland.
Building my own business has given me something I value deeply: flexibility and financial freedom. It’s allowed me to work around school runs, caring for family and all the moments I never want to miss. I built my business to fit my life — not the other way around — and now I help others create the same freedom for themselves.
Shine was created to support entrepreneurs who want to grow in a way that feels achievable, sustainable, and aligned with real life.
Everyone deserves flexibility, and the financial freedom to build a life that works for them.
what our community tell us about start up school
can we answer any questions for you?
who is start up school for?
Start Up School is designed for people who want to start or grow a small business or side hustle, and want help and a clear path to get started quickly without overwhelm. Whether you’re beginning with an idea or already offering something and want more structure, you’ll fit right in.
Do I need to have a business idea before joining?
No — many people join at the idea stage. You’ll learn how to explore your strengths, validate ideas, and choose an idea that feels right for you.
How much time do I need each week?
Around 1-2 hours to get through the content with extra time for planning out your business. Each session is focused and practical, and you’ll get simple steps to work on between sessions.
What if I can’t attend a session live?
All sessions are recorded and added to your private course area. You can watch them back at a time that suits you and you have access to them for a year so you can revisit the modules.
Does this course cover marketing?
Yes. You’ll learn the foundations of audience building, simple funnels, visibility, and how to market your business in a way that feels manageable.
What if I already have a small business?
You’re welcome here. Many people join to get clarity, structure, and accountability, especially around marketing and planning.
Is there support between sessions?
Yes — you’ll have access to a private space where you can ask questions, share wins, and get guidance throughout the 8 weeks.
Is there a refund policy?
We’re confident you’ll love Start Up School, but if you feel it’s not the right fit after the first week, just let us know and we’ll arrange a refund.
What happens after the 8 weeks?
You’ll have a clear plan, confidence in your business foundations, and the option to continue your learning with us inside the Shine Marketing Membership if you choose.
Are there any breaks during the programme?
Our 8 weeks run from 14th September and we are not taking a break this cohort. There is however no rush to do the content, you have access to do it over 12 months.
Do I get individual support?
Start Up School is a group programme, so one-to-one sessions aren’t included as part of the course. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, get feedback and receive support through our group and during the live calls.
We also know that some people enjoy having a little extra individual support as they build their business. If you’d like to work with us one-to-one alongside Start Up School, individual sessions can be booked separately.
next steps
If you’re ready to create a real, thriving business, we’d love to support you.
Start Up School gives you the clarity, structure, and encouragement to move forward with confidence — one simple step at a time. Join us and let’s build something you’re excited about.