Start-up Support

Looking to start your own small business but don’t know where to begin? There are lots of great organisations providing brilliant resources for people looking to start their own small business.

UK

An entrepreneurial organisation supporting businesses from start-up to growth, via digital content, a year-round event schedule, membership and resources.

A free business start-up accelerator programme with hubs in 13 locations right across the UK.

National Enterprise Network members provide a wide array of services across England, to offer impartial and independent advice, support and training on starting or developing a small business. This unique online directory has been specifically devised to help people looking for core support in starting up, to put them in touch with support organisations located nearby.

The Prince’s Trust was set up to give all 13 to 30 year olds a chance to succeed. With over 30 years of experience in getting young people set up in business, the Prince’s Trust has dedicated an area on its site to collating great business tools and resources. Although the Trust was set up to help the younger age group, the information is relevant to people with business ideas of all ages. Some of the topics include financial advice, marketing your business and building confidence.

The Start Up Donut is a huge collection of resources for businesses. Selecting one of the topics from the left will then bring up an extremely detailed section including blogs, articles, briefings and tools related to that topic. There are comprehensive Q&As on areas many business owners would like more information on such as how to complete a tax return or finding the right accountant. A section titled “Experts” lets you locate knowledgeable business people near you. Different “Experts” have experience in different sectors of business which means they are can give very specialised advice and support.

Acas gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. It also offers training and help to resolve issues.

England

Backed by the UK Government (Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy), we offer free, impartial business support and signposting services to business in England. We're accessible via telephone, webchat and social media channels.

Business West is a not-for-profit business support organisation, currently offering 40% match funded coaching grants (up to £2,500) to SMEs based in the West of England who are looking to grow, or plan to create, new jobs within 12 months.

This breaks down starting your own small business into six compact stages from having an idea to getting funding, doing market research, planning and opening up for business. Many helpful links are provided in each section through to further content in the form of videos and external advice.

Northern Ireland

Invest NI has information on starting a small business, finding support for a business and lots more about business in Northern Ireland. To find answers to many questions when starting up in Northern Ireland, Invest NI will refer you to the Regional Start Initiative and nibusinessinfo.co.uk which have a comprehensive package of advice and training.

Advisers, loan funding, events and support for businesses starting-up and growing in Northern Ireland. They run several different programmes to support start-ups specifically - 'Regional Start', 'Business Bootcamp', Exploring Enterprise' and 'Social Entrepreneurship Programme'.

Scotland

Business Gateway is targeted at those looking for business advice in Scotland. There is a calendar of events and workshops being run all over Scotland and case studies showing how several businesses have developed with the help of Business Gateway. There are also detailed guides on almost everything you could want help with in business. If there is something you cannot find help with, Business Gateway also offer a live chat service which may be able to assist.

Wales

As the name would suggest, this is a site dedicated to businesses in Wales. By providing information on topics such as finance, marketing and IT, Business Wales is able to cater for general start-up queries. Each subject has a calendar showing related upcoming events which is updated regularly. Business HQ is an area dedicated to telling inspirational real-life stories from Welsh businesses, news, and much more. If there is something you cannot find help with, Business Wales also offer a live chat service in both English and Welsh.

If you have any further information which may be helpful for people looking to start a small business, do get in touch with us.