Getting support with starting a business Becoming an entrepreneur

There a variety of organisations that provide information on how to get funding and grants if you want to start a business in the UK. We've listed some of those here.

• Entrepreneurship Handbook

  The Entrepreneurship Handbook lists business grants and funding programmes in the UK.

• GOV.UK’s business finance support finder

  Gives extensive information on finance, grants, and support, plus advice on other methods of financing your business for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

• UK Business Angels Association

  National trade association for the UK's business angel networks and the early-stage investment.

• Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs UK

  Leonard Cheshire and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation run an annual competition with £100,000 worth of prizes for disabled entrepreneurs.

• The Prince’s Trust

  Support for 18-30 year olds.

There is also Nation specific support and advice available.

England

• British Business Bank

  Government-owned business development bank dedicated to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses

• Wenta

  Free, independent business advice and training in England.

• The LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) Network

  Business led partnerships between local authorities and local private sector businesses.

Northern Ireland

• Enterprise Northern Ireland

  Support and advice to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

• NI BusinessInfo.co.uk

  Free service offered by Invest Northern Ireland.

Republic of Ireland

• Enterprise Ireland

  Support and advice to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

• Citizens Information

  Free and impartial information, advice and advocacy.

Scotland

• Business Gateway

  Tools, advice and training for starting or rebuilding your business.

Wales

• Business Wales

  Start up and business planning information and advice.

If you are living or planning to start a business outside of the UK, your country’s government website should provide specific support and funding opportunities.