Starting a Business
Starting a business can be a daunting process but help is at hand. This section contains links and information for those considering self employment.
Free Training for Business Start Up
Business Link Leicester, have commissioned the Skills for Enterprise Agency to deliver a series of FREE training sessions (More details) for those interested in starting a business. These are listed in the events calendar.
Alternatively go direct to the Skills for Enterprise Agency to book a course online. The courses are free to anyone living in Leicestershire. The Charnwood courses are held at the Ark Business Centre in Gordon Road, Loughborough but you may attend courses at any of the venues across the County according to the dates that suit you.
Start up Advice from Business Link
Business Link provide comprehensive advice and information for those looking at starting their own business. Click on the logo to go to the Business Link Leicestershire website or ring them on 0845 070 0086.
Start up Advice, Support and Information
- Preparing a Business Plan
Advice from Business Link about how to start your Business Plan
- Working from Home
This guide from Business Link and the Health and Safety Executive provides information for those considering working from home
- Licences and Permits for those wishing to start a business
- Advice on Setting Up an e-Business (MS Word, 24K)
Free advice from Trading Standards Agency
- Business Issues
This section contains links to information and services that businesses may find useful. It includes details on council services such as business rates and licensing as well as advice including trademarks, employment issues and patents.
- Support organisations
In Charnwood there are a number of useful networks operating. These include the Loughborough Advanced Technology Initiative (LATI), Loughborough Chamber of Trade & Commerce, The Federation of Small Business ( North Leicestershire) amongst others. This section provides links to them.
- Business Properties
Information on business properties in Charnwood ranging from Startup units to larger premises can be found here.
Finance
This section details information on grants and funding currently available to businesses in Charnwood. There is information and links to both Borough and County Council assistance as well as a searchable online database.
Useful weblinks
Working From Home
Career At Home was formed to offer a unique reference point on working for yourself from home.
Working and running a business from home can be daunting. This site explains all about the finances, legalities and practicalities of having a career at home.
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Business Directory
Business of the Month
Nook Corner is an excellent example of how to use this web site, especially if you don't have a dedicated site. Nook Corner is a combined Gift, Gallery and Coffee Shop located in the centre of Anstey in one of the oldest buildings in the village. But it is much more than just a coffee shop; it also a very well stocked gift shop, offering a large and constantly changing range of gifts to suit most occasions.
Forthcoming Events
Thu, 20 Nov 2008
At the conference, the best 18 companies each seeking up to £5million, will give a ten minute pitch for finance where they will outline their product offering, business model, and how they can return a profit for investors. They will also host an exhibition stand where interested parties can gain more information and ask further questions about their businesses.
Connect Midlands is already working closely with a number of exciting companies to ensure that the 18 businesses chosen to present, really do represent the best investment opportunities that the Midlands has to offer.
Ricoh Arena, Coventry.
Any entrepreneurs or companies who still wish to be considered for this event should call 02476 323320 now.