Self-employment :Cross Stitch – Employment
If you have a good business idea, working for yourself can be very rewarding, but it can take a lot of hard work and dedication. If you want to become self-employed, find out about the free help and support available, and whether you qualify for the New Enterprise Allowance.
If you want to become self-employed, there is plenty of free information, advice and practical support available for you. You can get help with topics like:
- how to plan a business
- how to raise finance
- how to make sure you have enough to live on while you get your business off the ground
Support is available for both new and existing businesses, and can help you meet all the legal and financial requirements of being self-employed.
Business Link, Business Gateway and Business support Wales
You can find information, advice and support to help you start, maintain and develop your business from the following places:
- England – Business Link
- Scotland – Business Gateway
- Wales – Business support Wales
General help and advice is available from Business Link, Business Gateway and Business support Wales. Additional support is also available for jobseekers through Jobcentre Plus.
New Enterprise Allowance
The New Enterprise Allowance helps unemployed people who want to start their own business. Practical mentoring support is available to people who have been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for three months or more. Financial support of up to around £2,000 is available for people who have been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for six months or more.
If you are interested in starting your own business you might be able to get a Start-up Loan if you:
- are aged 18-24
- live in England
- are not getting New Enterprise Allowance
You can get expert support to help develop a business plan and access training. If your business plan is approved, you will be able to get a Start-up Loan, usually in the region of £2,500. You will pay the loan back over a period of up to five years.
Provided by Jobcentre Plus