Business Support
Support and funding for students and young people
Tata Varsity Pitch
This is the longest-running inter-university business pitching competition in the UK. It is open to current students and graduates up to five years after graduation. Applicants compete to win one of several award categories and the grand prize of £15,000 cash.
www.Centreforentrepreneurs.org
Launch it
A group of charities that want to change young lives through enterprise. They provide hubs in London, Scotland and Kent offering safe and affordable workspaces, business & pastoral support, mentoring and funding opportunities.
Peter Jones Foundation
The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy is the flagship programme for schools and colleges offering enterprise education. They run extended programmes of Level 3 BTEC or A level studies, with resource and support, and links to employers.
www.peterjonesfoundation.org/peter-jones-enterprise-academy
Business Support Groups
EIS Association
The trade association for S/EIS, this association offers much more than helping members understand how to secure investment through S/EIS. Annual events across the UK under the ‘Ready, Steady Grow’ brand feature a carefully constructed agenda featur- ing opinions from SME industry experts, whilst bringing together small businesses, investors, IFAs, entrepreneurs and business advis- ers, as well as further networking opportunities. Members can also ensure that their voice is heard when it comes to changes to the schemes being lobbied to government. Membership for entrepre- neurs is very reasonable so this is a no brainer.
Innovate UK
Part of UK Research and Innovation, this organization offers companies support in the development and commercialization of new products, processes and services. They also have grants available so get on their newsletter.
The Startup Collation
A free-to-join service for tech start-ups, Dom Hallas and his team act as conduits between policy makers and tech start-ups to raise awareness and resolve issues that stand in the way of success. Excellent newsletters keep all start-ups, regardless of sector, informed of how government policy affects businesses in the UK.
https://api.startupcoalition.io
Brand Start-up Programmes
Young Foodies (YF)
Set up by Thea Alexander, who was part of the stellar Proper Corn team, YF now supports anything FMCG. Founders can sign up pre-revenue to develop and build their brand with the support and expertise offered by the YF programme. They can remain on it for up to three years, or until they graduate (which is hitting £10,000 in revenue a month). Teaching everything you didn’t know you didn’t know, the team take you through all aspects of your business to get you ready for a listing – and making those introductions too, as well as introductions to potential investors. This is fast-tracked, super-highway FMCG stuff which does come at a price, but will give you access to experts to teach you about all the areas your business needs to have a quick and effective impact. They also offer additional Commercial Advisory, with Supply Chain being a speciality.
Business Plan Support
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme is designed to provide high-quality, practical education and business support to leaders of high-growth small businesses and social enterprises across the UK, equipping smaller businesses with the tools to grow sustainably and unlock their full potential. As an alumna of the class of 2016, I cannot recommend this course enough. From your business plan to understanding your balance sheet, the team help you to pull together differential data and focus on what matters when building your business. Courses are run in association with Oxford University and Aston University. A great alumni and community across the UK.
www.goldmansachs.com/community-impact/10000-small-businesses/uk
The King’s Trust (formerly known as The Prince’s Trust)
Targeting disadvantaged young around the country, the Trust offers expert-led workshops, one-to-one support and opportuni- ties to apply for funding, helping young people create strong business plans and launch successful businesses. Well supported by entrepreneurs, in particular husband-and-wife dynamos Chrissie Rucker and Nick Wheeler, it’s a fabulous organization. I thor- oughly enjoyed doing business-planning workshops with them.
Health and safety and regulation advice
Health and Safety Executive
This government department offers complete and invaluable advice on how to ensure your business complies will all things health and safety. This is a vital part of everything you do from day one so don’t overlook how important this is.
Trading Standards
Trading Standards
Before you start selling you need to contact your local trading standards office to ensure you are doing everything right and properly. Get to know them and build a relationship. Everything from labels to product information should be run past them to avoid issues down the line. If you ever have a complaint, they will work with you to resolve it fairly.
www.nationaltradingstandards.uk
Website Copyright Protection
CLA (Copyright Licensing Agency)
It’s essential to have a CLA licence if you wish to share press and media coverage on your website. They provide blanket permissions to protect you from the risk of legal action for copyright infringement. If you fail to do this – and believe you me you will be found out! – you can risk a big fine, so get on it once your website goes live with media coverage.