Warwick District enterprise team
Warwick District Council is committed to strengthening our local economy. Our business enterprise projects support this aim by providing good value office premises and workspaces for new and established businesses. If you are considering becoming self-employed and need business premises, whether office, studio or workstation, contact us for advice. Telephone 01926 333222 or email enterprise@warwickdc.gov.uk.
Warwickshire business start up support programme
Delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of WCC and WDC (plus other local districts and boroughs), this programme is aimed at individuals that want to start a business or businesses in their first 24 months of trading. The programme consists of one-to-one business coaching and workshops to provide the fundamental skills to start and grow a business.
Please contact the Enterprise team for more info, or Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747.
GOV.UK
The government's website contains information on Starting your own business.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce
The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce can provide free coaching and advice to individuals looking to start their own business, or those businesses in their first twelve months of trading. Support and advice includes:
- Free workshops providing insight into business planning, finance and marketing.
- Advice and guidance on aspects involved in setting up a business.
- One-to-one mentoring from a Business Adviser.
- Support on sourcing and securing financial assistance.
Call 02476 654321 or visit the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce website.
Prince's Trust (for young people aged 18-30)
If you want to start your own business but have been turned down by lenders because of your age (18-30), credit record or because you're out of work, the Prince's Trust can offer a low interest loan of up to £4000 and a grant of £1500 in special circumstances (subject to local availability). Call 0800 842842 or visit the Princes Trust website.
Shell LiveWire
The UK's biggest online community for young entrepreneurs aged 16-30. Established in 1982, the Shell LiveWIRE programme offers free online business advice, and, start-up awards of £1,000 and £10,000 funding to young entrepreneurs in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Shell LiveWire website.
New Enterprise Allowance
New Enterprise Allowance is aimed at people who have been receiving Job Seekers Allowance for a period of at least six months and who want to set up their own business. Support provided can include:
- practical help and support to prepare for self-employment
- help and support in setting up the business
- support for at least the first six months of trading
- a weekly allowance paid for the first 26 weeks of business, to help during start up when earnings may rise and fall
- a loan of up to £1,000
Find out more about New Enterprise Allowance.
Coventry and Warwickshire Co-operative Development Agency
The Coventry and Warwickshire Co-operative Development Agency (CWCDA) is one of the largest co-operative development agencies in the country. Operating as a not-for-profit organisation, it provides free professional business support for local people to create and sustain all types of social enterprises. Call 024 7663 3911, email info@cwcda.co.uk or visit the CWCDA website.
HM Revenue and Customs
If you are starting a business you should check the HMRC website for information on tax, employing people, VAT, record keeping and other issues.