Business Support
This section lists sources of business support available to all businesses in the area. For support specific to the creative sector see 'Advice and Training' section
Business Link
General business support delivered by a new regional agency
www.businesslinkeastmidlands.co.uk or tel 0845 058 6644
Welland Enterprise
Business support in Harborough, Melton and Rutland areas. 1 day Business start up awareness training. 5 day ‘earn your own living’ course. One to one advice.
www.wellent.co.uk e:
biz@wellent.co.uk
Inland Revenue
Regular workshop programme includes
becoming self-employed and
setting up a limited co www.hmrc.gov.uk/bst/. Newly self employed helpline: 08459 154515. New employers helpline: 0845 6070143
Skills for Enterprise
www.skillsforenterprise.co.uk. Schemes include: New Entrepreneur Scholarship provides 90 hours of training to approval of a business plan with £2k for start up costs. Business Mentor Bank provides volunteer mentors in many sectors including not for profit. Management 1 provides a personal coach to identify skills required in your business. Match funding required from commercial businesses. Ideaspark gives pre-start up training targeting disadvantaged people/areas
www.ideaspark.net/indexnli.asp
Princes Trust
New business training programme for 14 to 30 year olds
www.princes-trust.org.uk
Prowess
Network supporting growth of women’s business ownership.
www.prowess.org.uk/support/searchbyarea.asp?id=3
SEEM (Social Enterprise East Midlands)
Training and development support on setting up and developing social enterprises (where benefits to employees and the local community are the major consideration).
www.seem.uk.net
First Steps
Business support for the East Midlands to make better use of ICT, the internet and ecommerce
www.first-steps.info
Leicester Afro Caribbean Centre
Training and support for Afro-Caribbean entrepreneurs via the LACC Business Association 0116 221 1793. Email
african-caribbean-centre@leicester.gov.uk
Chamber of Commerce
Membership organisation providing training, networking, services, events, research
www.chamberofcommerce.co.uk
Charnwood Business
Business information for the Loughborough and Charnwood area
www.charnwoodbusiness.com
Business Champions
A task force of business volunteers committed to energising the East Midlands.
www.businesschampions.org.uk
