bfunded - Business - Preparation - before you apply

.Help and advice on what to do before applying for funds.

Setting up your business

There are various approaches to setting up your own business and a selection of legal structures to choose from, ranging from self employment and sole trader through to partnership, limited liability company and franchises.

Once established you will have to consider issues such as premises, sales and marketing and financial controls, as well as legal aspects around taxes including VAT.

Where can I get help setting up?

Bradford Kickstart

Bradford Kickstart is a scheme run by Bradford Council, and supported by organisations and service providers from across the Bradford District, that aims to help local people set up small businesses during the next ten years - encouraging growth, prosperity and employment in Bradford District.

The scheme offers a wide range of support, via experienced business counsellors, to people who are thinking of working for themselves, and to young businesses in Bradford District that are hoping to grow and develop.

At the heart of the scheme is Kickstart Community - an interactive website that offers the online services of Bradford Kickstart. Members can become part of the Bradford Kickstart community by joining online groups of people with similar interests to discuss the latest hot-topics, swap stories and share ideas.

Support from Bradford Kickstart includes:

• Support and advice from an experienced business counsellor
• A free professionally-produced website plus software to get you started
• Wide range of training, qualifications and courses
• Protect your benefits while you test your business idea
• Marketing, branding and promotion assistance
• Financial advice and help getting a loan or a grant
• Start-up grants directly from Bradford Kickstart
• Book-keeping advice, system set-up and training
• Specialist support if you are disabled and want to work from home
• Legal advice on all issues faced by business start-ups
• Assistance finding the right employees who can help your business grow
• Help to get another job if your business doesn't work out this time.

Contact Bradford Kickstart on 0800 953 9503 (freephone), email: info@bradfordkickstart.com web: www.bradfordkickstart.com

Business Link West Yorkshire

Business Link West Yorkshire have useful fact sheets on all aspects of starting a business, including a no nonsense guide to starting up, on their website at: www.blwy.co.uk

Business Link West Yorkshire is part of the West Yorkshire Enterprise Partnership Limited. They help businesses to set up and encourage and support small businesses to grow. Services range from quick advice on business matters to in-depth consultancy.

They have a team of business advisers with specialist knowledge to help with issues such as Information Technology, Human Resources and Marketing.

Contact Business Link West Yorkshire on 0845 833 6000, web: www.blwy.co.uk

Other Help

Further help is available from local support organisations and agencies.