Your First 90 Days: What to Expect When Launching Your Care Business with Big Sister

A real-world view of what it’s like to go from application to active care company — with support at every step.

Starting your own care business is a bold and exciting step — but it can also feel overwhelming.
You know you’re ready for more.
You’re passionate about delivering outstanding care.
You’re full of ideas and ambition.
But you may also be wondering:

“What actually happens once I say yes to Big Sister?”

You’re not alone.

That’s why we’ve broken down exactly what to expect in your first 90 days as a Big Sister investee — from your first conversation with us to the day you begin delivering care.

Want to visualise the whole journey? Watch the Frontline to Founder YouTube Playlist for stories, walkthroughs, and behind-the-scenes guidance.

Before Day 1: The Application Phase

Before your official journey starts, we’ll get to know you and your goals.

You’ll go through:

  • An informal discovery call — to learn more about the programme and ask your questions
  • A short application form
  • A video intro or follow-up call with our leadership team
  • Clarity on your investment partnership and responsibilities

If you’re successful, you’ll be welcomed into the Big Sister family — and that’s where the real journey begins.

Week 1–2: Onboarding and Vision Planning

Goal: Lay your foundation and get clear on your business vision.

You’ll work 1:1 with your Big Sister onboarding team to:

  • Refine your mission and local focus
  • Choose your company name and branding direction
  • Set your business goals for the first 6–12 months
  • Get introduced to your support team (compliance, bid writing, sales, staffing, design)
  • Begin setup of your digital systems (email, website, scheduling tools)

You’ll finish Week 2 feeling confident, supported, and fully committed to your new path.

Download the Big Sister New Founder Welcome Checklist in the Frontline to Founder Playlist.

Week 3–4: Business Planning and Setup

Goal: Get the structure, systems, and strategy in place.

Together, we’ll:

  • Finalise your business plan
  • Apply for your CQC registration (if needed)
  • Begin your website build and marketing materials
  • Set up your accounting and reporting framework
  • Build a clear roadmap for your staffing strategy
  • Discuss your care packages and pricing structure
  • Align your bid strategy with Care with Confidence and local council opportunities

This is the phase where your business takes shape — on paper and online.

Week 5–6: Recruitment and Brand Launch

Goal: Start building your team and presence in the community.

With support from our in-house recruitment specialists, you’ll:

  • Write and post your first job adverts
  • Begin interviewing potential staff
  • Create your onboarding and induction plans
  • Launch your new website
  • Go live with your social media channels
  • Get your business email, phone line, and brand pack ready to go

Your business becomes real — and people start to take notice.

Use our “Launch Day Social Toolkit” in the Frontline to Founder Playlist to make it easy.

Week 7–8: Pipeline Building and First Leads

Goal: Start securing real work.

With help from the Care with Confidence framework and our sales team, you’ll:

  • Begin receiving early private client leads
  • Have bid-ready responses prepared for council frameworks
  • Attend your first Founder’s Circle sessions for ongoing growth support
  • Connect with other Big Sister founders to share insights and wins

Even if you’re still waiting on your CQC registration, this is the time to start building momentum.

Week 9–12: Ready to Trade

Goal: Go live with clients and care delivery.

By now, you’ll be ready to:

  • Finalise your team
  • Begin delivering private packages or pilot work
  • Respond to live bids or framework opportunities
  • Start invoicing and managing your accounts
  • Share testimonials and case studies for early wins
  • Lock in your business rhythm with team meetings, supervision processes, and marketing flow

You’re no longer preparing to launch.
You’ve launched.

And you’ll do it with a full team behind you, celebrating your wins and supporting your growth every step of the way.

Watch our “First 3 Months: Success Habits of Top Founders” video inside the Frontline to Founder Playlist.

The Big Sister Difference

Most people starting a care business do it completely alone.
They struggle for months — sometimes years — to figure it all out.

But with Big Sister, you get:

  • 50% co-ownership, so you’re never financially alone
  • Full support in compliance, CQC, branding, and marketing
  • Contracts and private work support from day one
  • A founder community of people on the same path
  • A safety net for the hard days — and a cheer squad for the good ones

You bring the heart. We’ll bring the framework.

You’re Not Just Starting a Business — You’re Changing the Sector

If you’re here, it’s probably because you’ve:

  • Dreamed of doing care differently
  • Wanted more independence and income
  • Needed a way to build a business and a legacy
  • Had others tell you “you’d be amazing if you had your own company”
  • Just know you’re ready for more

And we’re here to tell you:
You can do this.
You don’t have to do it alone.
And your first 90 days could change your life.

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