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Starting a business

There are many reasons for starting your own business – you want to be your own boss, you have a great idea, you have a passion for something you want to share and so on. Taking the plunge may sound like just one decision but starting a venture is more a series of decisions and processes.

Crucible Business Start-Up

Starting in February, we have partnered with De Montfort University to offer a unique package of support for anyone who wants to start their own business as well as new start-ups that need some extra guidance. You’ll be learning from some top experts as well as getting lots of personal support to give you the confidence to take that next step. This five-month programme has one session every three weeks and is entirely free of charge to you.

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Supporting Disabled Entrepreneurs

Local disabled entrepreneur, Mark Esho MBE, has created the Circle Foundation to provide up to £50,000 worth of support to anyone with a disability who has a convincing business idea. He is looking for local people with disabilities to get in touch about their idea. One lucky person will receive advice and support to help them launch their business. It could be you.

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Start-up Accelerator Programme

If you are thinking about starting a business we have partnered with Leicester Startups to offer an excellent six-week programme just for you. This offers workshops and mentoring and an opportunity to share the journey with others in the same boat. They have commenced their current group, watch out for further updates for next programme.

*If your business is less than 36 months old you may be able to join the Early Stage Business programme.

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Start-up support offered by other organisations

NBV Enterprise Solutions

NBV Enterprise Solutions provides tailored support to help start-up businesses in the East Midlands. The team at NBV offer start-up workshops over three days, advice from qualified advisers, as well as start-up loans and grants.

The Prince’s Trust

As well as business advice and grant funding The Prince’s Trust has an online enterprise resource which has hints, tips and videos for new businesses as well as a range of downloadable templates on marketing, financial planning and other key topics. Their support is aimed at 18 to 30 year olds.

Sir Thomas White Loan Charity

Sir Thomas White Loan Charity provides loans for new business ideas and established businesses needing investment. Eligible candidates may borrow up to £20,000 interest free for 9 years to establish themselves in their chosen career/business.

HMRC

What you need to do to set up a new business depends on your type of business. The HM Revenue & Customs website walks you through the options on how to register your business and in addition offer a free, business support helpline.

Start up Britain

Passionate about promoting entrepreneurship; StartUp Britain offers inspiration, resources and guidance to help people start and grow their own business.

Finance

There is a huge range of local and national funding options that can support your business growth. See the finance section for details.

Gov.UK

For the most up-to-date and detailed information on self-employment or starting a company visit GOV.UK

Start up loans toolkit

Delivering the Government’s StartUp Loans
programme and part of the British Business Bank, the Start Up Loans Company aims to help new and early stage businesses access affordable finance and mentoring support.

Intellectual Property Office

You know copyright exists but how does it apply to your business and your website?
To help answer any questions you have, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has a suite of new and improved ‘IP for Business’ tools that can help you understand the basics of IP.

Shell LiveWIRE

Every year Shell LiveWIRE supports thousands of individuals to access the knowledge, skills, networks and resources to turn their ideas into successful businesses.

Start up donut

With six distinct sections; including specific industry sectors, start up, marketing, law, tech and money; the Donut website is aimed at helping businesses to succeed by providing reliable information and resources that can save business owner’s time and money.