Resources
Useful Help and Links
When it comes to starting a business or social enterprise, there is lots to learn and discover. We have compiled a selection of helpful resources to get you going.
Please feel free to download and use any of the materials you find below. And if you have any resources that you feel should be included, please let us know.
Our Resources
Funding & Finances
Government Funded Loans for Start Ups - https://www.gov.uk/start-up-loans
Fredericks Foundation - Fredericks is a Responsible Finance Provider that provides loans to people who want to set up a new business or maintain or expand an existing business. They are open to anyone who has a viable business proposition, but cannot obtain mainstream finance. Contact them today: http://www.fredericksfoundation.org/
How-to guide: funding your social enterprise with and without money
A step-by-step guide on how to fund your social enterprise, whether through initiative or investment
http://www.theguardian.com/social-enterprise-network/2014/feb/10/how-to-guide-funding-your-social-enterprise
HMRC Self-Employed Help Guide
The Government can provide a lot of valuable information around the best ways to start your business. This free e-learning guide offers many useful pointers.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/courses/SYOB3/syob_3/html/syob_3_menu.html
Self-Assessment Tax Bill Budget Tool
When most small businesses start out, they may not get their first tax bill for a while. This Budget Tool will help you know how much to be putting away.
https://www.gov.uk/self-assessment-ready-reckoner
Free Training
Open University - the Open University offers a wealth of free on-line courses ranging from Introducing the Voluntary Sector to Succeed in the Workplace, Entrepreneurship, Health and Nutrition - too many to list! Get those braincells going again and visit the website for inspiration: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/
E-Careers, an online training provider, has partnered with British Gas Energy Trust to help people get back into work.
The training provided has a maximum value of £1,599 but is fully funded by the British Gas Energy Trust (BGET) and can help students to enhance their workplace skills to prepare them for when they return to work.
https://www.e-careers.com/landing/BGET_CAT1/?ref=wxsjdskw
Ways to Work provide supported employment for disadvantaged individuals to help them find their way back into the workplace.
http://waysintowork.com/
Further Support
So, you have set up your own business, or become self-employed. Well done! We have compiled a list of relevant organisations that can help you grow.
Our Inspiring Enterprise business advisers are always happy to answer any queries you may have, but also take a look at any other support out there.
Download Referral Guidance Inspiring Enterprise Project info here.
Here are already a few ideas:
Mentor-Net, mentoring service for growing businesses, www.mentor-net.co.uk
WSX Enterprise Ltd, business support organisation, www.wsxenterprise.co.uk
Start Up
Start Your Own Business Book - All you need to know about starting a business! We have teamed up with Start Your Own Business and you can download your copy of the Inspiring Enterprise 2019 version here....
If you are a participant of the Inspiring Enterprise project you can request a hard copy from your business adviser.
Start-Up Websites
Making sure you plan your business correctly from the start is crucial to give yourself best chance of success. These handy websites will help you get things right:
Set up a business: www.gov.uk/set-up-business
Start Up Donut: www.startupdonut.co.uk
Start your Own Business: www.syob.net
If you are interested in setting up a Social Enterprise or maybe you are involved in one already, please find below a number of social enterprise support networks where you can gain information and support. You can also start by reading our blog on Social Enterprises.
National organisations for support and funding
https://unltd.org.uk/
http://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/
https://www.britishcouncil.org/society/social-enterprise
School for Social Entrepreneurship Central - Offers a regular training programme – https://www.the-sse.org/ - including the Scale up programme for more developed social enterprises.
For Hampshire, our project partners Action Hampshire deliver this programme locally...http://actionhampshire.org/
Social Enterprise
http://www.socialenterpriselink.co.uk/
http://www.socialenterpriselink.co.uk/index.php/solent-enterprise-place
Co-operantics
http://www.cooperantics.coop/
Price Waterhouse Cooper
http://firestation.pwc.co.uk/are-you-a-social-entrepreneur.html
Job Clubs
M3 Job Club - http://www.m3jobclub.co.uk/
Andover Job Club - http://www.kingarthurswayhall.org.uk/whats-on.php
Vine Centre Job Club, Aldershot - http://www.thevinecentre.org.uk/community/job-club-work-preparation
Skills Café Job Club, Farnborough - http://www.rushmoor.gov.uk/article/9115/Pebl-Skills-Caf
Camberley Central Job Club - https://www.camberleydistrictjobclub.com/
FAQs
Think This is For You?
Social Enterprise Networks