Want to start your own business?
You are in the Starting Your Own Business section.
We provide free confidential and impartial business support to anyone wanting to start a business within Blackburn, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale. We know exactly what it takes to get a new business idea off the ground, so with free expert advice, practical workshops and access to finance we can help turn your dreams into reality.
Our wide range of support to get your business up and running includes:
- Free one-to-one business guidance from qualified business advisers (we are happy to match you with specific advisers)
- A free series of interactive workshops, designed to help you with every aspect of starting a successful business
- Access to funding, grants, loans and other sources of finance
- Free book keeping support
- Free long term guidance/mentoring to help you grow your business
- Business premises
- Rent a Desk facility
Free Business Skills Workshops
No Limits 'Business Ideas' workshops
This workshop is designed for anyone considering starting a business and explores:
- Choosing your business idea and business name
- Recognising your key skills
- Understanding business types and legal issues
Barclays 'Let's Talk Starting in Business' workshops
Every great business has started with a simple idea. If you have a great idea, float it by us at the 'Let's Talk Business Ideas' workshop. This free workshop is all about preparing yourself, your finances and your business idea.
Throughout the workshop you'll cover the following:
- Ready or not Are you really in a position to get started?
- Must know facts Most commonly asked questions. And the answers, of course
- Figures and financials The numbers you need to master to make your business a success
- Finding the right banking solution Making sure you get the right products and services from your bank before you get started
- Thinking marketing How to win new customers and keep them happy
- Where to get more help Turning your thoughts into a business plan
- Useful contacts Making sure you make the most of the advice that's out there
- Bringing it all together How to put together a business plan
No Limits 'Selling Skills' workshops
This workshop provides advice and guidance on the following key areas:
- Conducting your market research
- Knowing the competition
-
Understanding customers' needs
No Limits 'Business Planning' workshops
This session provides a great opportunity for you to gain a sound understanding of how to produce and present your business plan, including:
- How a business plan can help test your ideas
- Predicting the capital you'll need and the profits you'll make
- Using market research to write your plan
- Presenting your plan to lenders and grant providers
No Limits 'Starting in Business' workshops
This workshop will explore the financial aspects of your business plan including:
- Forecast cash flow
- Preparing your budgets
- Evaluating the viability of your business with your business adviser
No Limits 'Bookkeeping' workshops
This workshop provides an overview of how to manage your business finances and tax including:
- How to keep your books
- How to produce simple monthly accounts
- Keeping on top of tax
Click here for our latest workshop dates
To access any of our free business support, contact a member of our team.
Useful Links
Accessing Finance
Finance & grants
Business Premises & Room Hire
Business premises
Business premises in Burnley & Pendle
Meeting room facilities in Burnley & Pendle
Rent a desk facilities in Burnley & Pendle
Existing Business Support
Finance & grants
IT & E-commerce
Sales & marketing
Setting Up Your Company
Completing & submitting your VAT return
Finance & grants
IT & E-commerce
National insurance
Registering for VAT
Registering your company
Sales & marketing
Starting up your own business