If you are thinking about starting your own business and becoming self-employed read on for information on the support available, from the idea through to writing a business plan and finding the funds to make your dream come true.
Do you think you would enjoy being your own boss? Do you have a good business idea that’s just waiting to become a reality?
Setting up on your own can be hard, but luckily for you there is lots of good advice around.
Getting started
Business Gateway
Once you have an idea the first port of call is really to get in touch with the Business Gateway.
Through the Business Gateway you will get access to information, advice and training on, for example, marketing skills, developing new products, money management and a whole lot more. The Business Gateway website provides a range of on line tools to help you.
This includes:
- a self assessment tool to check out if you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
- on-line tutorials and booklets to help you develop your business plan.
To find your nearest Business Gateway, have a look on their website or call 0845 609 6611.
Northern entrepreneurs
If you live in the Highlands and Islands region, contact Highlands & Islands Enterprise for a Local Enterprise Company near you. Visit the website, or phone them on 01463 234 171.
Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust
The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) supports young people to set up and continue running a business.
It specialises in loans for anyone between 18 and 25 (up to 30 years old if you have a disability).
It provides:
- low interest loans of up to £5,000 for setting up or expanding your business
- the possibility of a grant of up to £1,000
- test marketing grants of £250
- advice from a volunteer from your local business community
- help from a Business Adviser for up to two years
- book-keeping training and a free book-keeping system
- networking opportunities with other young businesses.
Are you a Live Wire?
Shell LiveWire helps young people, aged 16 - 30, throughout the UK explore their ideas for setting up in business by themselves or with others.
You can get a free business start-up info pack giving you an outline for your idea, and personal one-to-one advice, simply by calling 0845 757 3252.
You will be given the details of your local co-ordinator, or you can request a starter-up pack to be sent out. Alternatively, visit the LiveWire website to register online.
You also have the opportunity to gain cash awards and great publicity through the LiveWIRE Business Start Up Awards – an annual competition for entrepreneurs between the ages of 16 - 30 who have been trading from 3-18 months.
It runs from February to June each year, and submitted ‘business plans’ should be entered by the end of January. The most promising entries share cash awards, heightened publicity and spin-off sales.
Micro-Tyco Challenge
If you are keen on building the skills up that you will need to start and run your own business then the Micro-Tyco challenge may be for you.
Micro-Tyco is a fun, fast and furious new enterprising challenge for you!
The challenge is open to school groups, youth groups, youth clubs, college groups, university groups and company groups across the country and the world. The challenge aims to spark enterprising minds, develop skills and create global ethical investors.
Being part of the Micro-Tyco challenge will give you the chance to build on and develop skills, make new friends and help others gain independence through micro-finance. It's a great opportunity to do something different and make a difference. The challenge runs once a year, commencing in November for a month. Visit the Micro-Tyco for more information.
Young Enterprise Scotland
You may get the opportunity to participate in a Young Enterprise Scotland programme at school, this will give you a taster for business and provide you with some skills to get started.
Hundreds of young people have particpated in Young Enterprise Scotland's programmes and many have gone on to start their own businesses. There are a few different programmes offered, for more information on these visit Young Enterprise Scotland.
Tax and other stuff
If you are self-employed you will need to sort your own taxes out, visit the DirectGov for more information on areas such as self employment and tax.
The Money Advice Service also has a great section on Working for Yourself, check it out for loads of information on all things money related.
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