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How do I get advice on starting my business?

Venturing into starting your own business is very exciting, but it can also feel quite daunting. It can be reassuring to know that advice and support is available. Here we give you information on some of the organisations that can offer you support and advice for starting a business.

Where can I find out what is available in my area of the UK?

A good place to start is by looking on the government website. Here you will find advice on, for example, how to turn your idea into a business to guidance on deciding on a structure for your business.

You will find links to where you live in the UK:

Each region offers support and advice. Information is available on GOV.UK for accessing advice and support in your part of the UK.

You can also contact your local Chamber of Commerce, local council or relevant trade association to enquire about advice available. The majority of high street banks also offer advice for small businesses.

Where can I go for advice for my business idea if I am unemployed?

If you are aged between 18 and 30, live in the UK, are unemployed or working less than 16 hours per week and have a business idea then The Prince’s Trust offers support through its various initiatives. The Prince’s Trust is a charity for young people.

The Trust’s Enterprise programme offers advice and support including:

  • initial information sessions
  • access to business experts who can assist with business planning, sales and marketing, as well as the financial aspects of running a business such as budgeting and tax.

After launching the business the Trust provides you with an experienced business mentor to support you. To find out if The Prince’s Trust is suitable for you click here

Alternatively, your Jobcentre Plus work coach can give you offer information on how to get started with your business idea. If you are over 18 and can demonstrate that you have a business idea that could work you may be entitled to receive New Enterprise Allowance

To be considered you will need to be getting one of the following benefits: 

Visit the GOV.UK website to find out more.

Are there ways I can work in an office environment rather than working from home?

Working from home doesn’t necessarily suit everyone. There are an increasing number of work spaces being developed across the UK specifically for business start-ups. These range from serviced offices, hot desks, coffee shops to enterprises such as ‘innovation hubs’.

Whichever type of area, the aim behind them is to bring together small enterprises in a physical space as well as space to develop ideas. Although working from home is a great option, it can sometimes become difficult to come up with new ideas.

Typically innovation hubs offer reduced rental rates for office space or hot desking with a range of business support and advice. This can be supported IT services, use of printing and copying, meeting rooms as well as business mentoring support and business skills training. The aim is to support you and your business, helping it to grow and develop.

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