Work

So you want to start your own business

You've looked at all the options and you've decided that getting a job is not for you. You have a great idea for starting your own business, but how do you go about it?

Starting your own business is a big step and you'll need to spend a lot of time researching and planning before you go ahead. Connexions Direct can point you in the right direction.

Young Enterprise

If you want a taster of what it's like to be your own boss, why not look out for the Young Enterprise scheme in your area?

Young Enterprise is a national education charity with a mission: to inspire and equip young people to learn and succeed through enterprise.

Young Enterprise runs six programmes, each for a different age-group - from 5 to 25+. These are run on a "learning by doing" principle.

If you're 18 and you're really sure you want to go ahead why not check out the Prince's Trust?

The Prince's Trust

The Prince's Trust is for 18-30 year olds who want to start a business. It is a new generation of entrepreneurs and helping shape the UK enterprise economy of the future, through their Business Start-up programme.

What does the programme offer?

• Low interest loans for business ideas rejected by banks, making us a 'lender of last resort'.
• Business mentoring for up to three years.
• A range of other support.

Make your mark - start talking ideas

If you are age 13 - 20 and need encouragement to make your ideas become a reality then "Make Your Mark - start talking ideas" could help you.

Launched during Enterprise Week (15th - 21st November 2004) the website deals with everything from having and developing an idea, to what you need to do to make it happen. You can add your own story about what you've done and help inspire others!

Who can help?

Young Enterprise is a national education charity with a mission: to inspire and equip young people to learn and succeed through enterprise. Visit their site at www.young-enterprise.org.uk/.

The Prince's Trust is for 18-30 year olds who want to start a business. Visit their site at www.princes-trust.org.uk/.

For straightforward business information and access to a wide network of business support organisations visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home.

Looking for encouragement to get your ideas working then visit www.starttalkingideas.org.

You can speak to a Personal Adviser at your local Connexions Centre. To find your local centre click on the Local Services icon in the footer of the homepage or check out your local phone book.

You can contact a Connexions Direct Adviser by phone on 080 800 13 2 19, by text on 07766 4 13 2 19, by textphone 08000 968 336, by adviser online or by email.