How to Get Small Business Help from the Department of Trade and Industry

Deciding to start your own small business is a big step and getting on the right track from the beginning is so important in the long run. The Departement of Trade and Industry offers a range of services for anyone considering starting their own business or needing help in the beginning.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. The Department of Trade and Industry is focused on supporting small businesses and the government has invested into developing specialist services available to all. This expert unit is called the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR, for more information visit www.dti.gov.uk
2. The BERR does not provide direct support to small businesses this is found in you local business link centre. To find your nearest centre visit www.businesslink.gov.uk.
3. The local business link centres provide everything from one-to-one advice sections to week-long course that will go through each step of the administration necessary when starting your own business.
4. If you want support but do not have the time to meet advisors or attend sessions the business link website has a 74-page guide to starting your own business, which you can download to order a hard copy online.

Tips & Warnings

• Take advantage of the support, it will benefit you, even if some of it appears to be no more than common sense.
• Speak to someone who has recently started there own business they may have experienced something you hadn't thought of yet.
• Most small businesses fail in the first two years, it takes hard work and dedication to turn a great idea into a profitable business. So don't be put off by when you are faced with hurdles.