How do I get started?
Everyone considering self-employment should seek out the right information and support to get started. From planning a business and raising finance to making sure you have enough to live on while you get your business off the ground, the following organisations may be able to help:
- Enterprise Insight run the Make your mark campaign to help give people the confidence, skills and ambition they need to be successful in business. No matter what stage you’re at - from finding that first business idea, to turning it into a reality – you’ll find lots of advice and resources to help you,. Check out the toolkits and the latest campaigns, competitions, road shows and events by visiting www.makeyourmark.org.uk.
- Shell Livewire provide free startup business advice, case studies, and online resources for 16-30 year olds wanting to start and develop their own business. Visit www.shell-livewire.org.
- Business Link is a free business advice and support service, available online and through local advisers. Use the on-line Business Start-up Organiser to make a personalised list of tasks for when you’re setting up your business, and check out the on-line Grants Support Directory to find potential sources of financial help. For more information visit www.businesslink.gov.uk.
- The ADP (Association of Disabled Professionals) runs a project called the Disabled Entrepreneurs Network (DEN). It aims to provide networking opportunities and information services for self-employed disabled people as well as specialist advice to help you get into self-employment. Visit their website at www.disabled-entrepreneurs.net.
- The National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship. Graduates and Higher Education students interested in starting their own businesses can get advice and support through the Flying Start project. Rallies and programmes offer practical workshops and one-to-one mentoring. It’s free to register and once you’ve done so, you can get all the advice you need. For more information, visit www.flyingstart-ncge.com.
- Jobcentre Plus. If you’re unemployed, you may be eligible for help with starting a new business through the New Deal programme. You can get advice and training in setting up and running a business. For more information, telephone 0845 606 2626 (people with hearing or speech impairments may prefer to use textphone 0845 606 0680), or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk.
- Princes Trust run a Business Start-up programme for 18-30 year olds who want to start a business. The programme offers business mentoring, low interest loans and a range of other support. Go to Princes Trust – start up in business to find out more.
