Set up your own business

Ready to be your own boss?

Whether you're looking at starting a new business here or relocating a current business, Plymouth will help you flourish. We are already home to many entrepreneurs including Chris Dawson who started in Plymouth as a market trader and now owns The Range chain which is the fastest growing retailer in the UK.

If you think you have a great idea for a business and the skills and financial backing to support it but need some help with sorting out the backroom stuff like tax returns, business loans and insurance there is advice at hand.

Skills Launchpad Plymouth can point you in the right direction to start with a business plan, work out your start-up costs and how you will finance a business.

This may feel overwhelming – but there is lots of support and help out there to help make your dreams a reality, with many purpose designed start up spaces to work from in Plymouth.

Find out more here:

Plymouth’s Business Parks, Science Park and office space

This includes the City Business Park and the Business Centre. The Formation Zone at the University of Plymouth and the Plymouth Science Park provides workspace and laboratories for the creative and STEM sectors (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), supporting new and growing knowledge-based companies.

Plymouth Social Enterprise Network

Plymouth is a hot-spot for social enterprise activity in the UK and is developing as a global ‘social enterprise city’. If you are thinking about starting a Social Enterprise in Plymouth make contact for funding advice and business planning support.

Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce

Heart of the South West Growth Hub

Princes Trust Enterprise

Support if you’re self-employed or run a business for those aged 18-30

Government advice – Working for yourself

Crowdfunder

Crowdfunding is a different way to raise money for good ideas. People are increasingly bypassing more traditional funding routes such as bank loans or grants and turning instead to the people around them and in their community to support their venture. It's been around for centuries but the internet makes it possible to reach much bigger audiences than before.

Crowdfunder - Guidance and support for crowdfunding projects

Crowdfunder - £250 for creative and digital ideas in the South West

Crowdfunder - £180,000 available in match funding to support great ideas in Plymouth

Make sure you feel ready to get back out there – check out the support available if you are feeling anxious, confused, lost or overwhelmed

Make an informed choice locally. Find out about Plymouth’s current employment picture and learn about our industry sectors which are growing fast creating new job opportunities now and in the future

Get your own free impartial 1-1 Careers and Skills Plan with National Careers Service

Develop yourself through further study and training opportunities

The Enterprise Programme (for 18 – 30 year olds) runs monthly across Devon and Cornwall

For young people who want to explore a business idea. We offer training, mentoring, funding and resources to turn their idea into a viable business (including a £200 test marketing grant).

To find out more call or text Kelly or Ivanna on: Kelly 07484082161 or Ivanna 07931 555 085

Email kelly.crane@princes-trust.org.uk or Ivanna.bedani@princes-trust.org.uk

Get your business journey started today and discover the support available to help your business thrive in Plymouth through the FREE Plymouth Enterprise Hub - Plymouth Enterprise Hub | Free business support | Enterprise Nation

Support available includes:

- expert advice and support from local trusted advisors

- access to small business events, from free daily webinars to flagship festivals and expert speakers

- an active community of over 100,000 business owners and advisors

- a personalised dashboard - so everything you need to plan for success is in one easy-to-find place.

All you need to be eligible for this hub is to live in Plymouth or have a business based in Plymouth.