Starting up in Swindon & Wiltshire

If you’re considering starting a new business but aren’t sure what to sell or services you could offer, you can find inspiration in our Business Oppotunity factsheets, covering a cross-section of industries and catering to a range of skill-sets and start-up budgets. Each factsheet provides information about starting up and running the specified business. It describes the skills required, the training available, the current market trends and the key trading issues. It also explains the main legislation that must be complied with and provides sources of further information and support. 

Read also our article on Top Tips to Choosing a Business Idea.

The complete government guide offers information about choosing the right legal structure and a service to register your company.

The Start Up Loan company also have developed this Essential guide to starting a business, which you may want to read before you start. 

Business Planning

Start-up advice and mentoring

Through our SME Competitiveness Programme, the Growth Hub offers free and impartial advice on starting out and business planning. When you’re starting a business things can move quickly and it can be difficult to keep track of all the changes. Our resources and support will help you get your new business off to the right start.

Virgin Startup is another great place full of advice on everything from creating a business logo and setting up an online shop to product testing and dealing with the unexpected, Virgin’s start-up mentors have well-earned experience to pass on to the next wave of business owners.

Support for 16-30 year-olds

Since 1983, Prince’s Trust has helped over 80,000 young people start their own business. If you’re aged 18-30 and working fewer than 16 hours a week, Prince’s Trust can help you turn your business idea into reality with a package of training and funding that includes access to a mentor.

Support for those out of work

Over 450 new businesses a week have been set up with the government's New Enterprise Allowance scheme that helps unemployed people become self-employed. If you receive certain benefits and have a workable business idea, you could get help from a mentor and financial support in the form of a weekly allowance to help you start your business.

Support for women

Women in Enterprise by GOV.UK contains all of the places, organisations and networks, as well as the sources of government advice and resources, that can help you develop your business.

Support for disabled entrepreneurs

Disabled Entrepreneurs inspire and support disabled people to start up a profitable business. Their site has up-to-date news, networking opportunities, inspirational stories, information, special discounts on business services and more.

Action on Disability at Work UK (ADWUK) provides information, advice and support to disabled people and those with long term health conditions who run, or want to run, their own business.

Support for social entrepreneurs

UnLtd supports individuals who have their social ventures firmly rooted in delivering positive social change. UnLtd operates a unique model by investing directly in individuals and offering a complete package of resources; from awards of funding to ongoing advice, networking and practical support.

Free consultation from an ICAEW Chartered Accountant

The ICAEW Business Advice Service provides professional advice for start-ups, including a free business advice session with a Chartered Accountant tailored to your needs. The ICAEW also has dozens of free reports available to download on a range of business topics.

Further information and support tailored to businesses in the region can be found in the dedicated Start up Hub on this website.