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Starting up your business

Starting up your business

When starting a business there are many things to consider. You will need to research your market and identify what finances and resources you will need to get started. You will need to complete research and organise your ideas by setting these out in a business plan.

Support to help you start up or to work for yourself may be delivered through one to one sessions, workshops, over the phone or online. 

Getting support for your startup

There are a number of organisations in Brent that provide support and advice on how to start up a business or work for yourself. 

If you are unemployed you may be eligible for free support to help you develop your business plan and support with accessing finance.

Information and advice

  • London Growth Hub hosts an extensive database of organisations that support start-ups, source funding and also provide workspace and business growth opportunities.
  • Small Business Research + Enterprise Centre - provides free practical business information for anyone starting, running or growing their business, both remotely and on site. There is a varied programme of free webinars on practical business topics and one-to-one advice sessions. 
  • British Library (Business and IP Centre) - Get support to get your business started.
  • SYOB - download a free, easy to understand, information pack to help you start your own business.
  • GOV.UK - get help with writing a business plan to get your idea off the ground. 

Finance and funding

You may be eligible for backed finance or support for your business and can choose which scheme would be right for you.

  • Government-backed support and finance - find government-backed support and finance for business.
  • Start Up Loans - government scheme providing funding and support for individuals looking to start or grow a business in the UK.
  • Better Business Finance - Information about how to secure finance and the options available to you.
  • Open4Community - government and other funding schemes available to community and voluntary organisations in Brent.