Have you been thinking of starting a business? Or are you looking to develop an existing business? Leeds City Council is hosting a number of events during summer 2013 designed to give you the support you and your business need.
For those considering business start up we’ve teamed up with a number of partners who can give you advice on a range of things you need to consider as part of your planning. We've designed a programme of workshops running across the city between May and July 2013. For further details visit our eventbrite pages
In the meantime there are lots of places you can get information, advice and support as you start your business. There's some general information on this page and you can click into the related pages at the bottom for advice on more specific business types.
Organisations in Leeds
Business and Patent Information Services
Leeds Libraries are home to Business & Patent Information Services. Leeds Central Library provides a comprehensive one-stop information service to support all your business and intellectual property (IP) needs. Whether you’re an existing business, a business start-up, an entrepreneur, an inventor or wish to become self-employed they have information for you. Their regular evening Enterprise Clubs feature a range of speakers from different organisations and are designed to help those considering business start up. www.businessandpatents.org
Elsie
Leeds Community Enterprise (Elsie for short) is an enterprise accelerator. A source of wisdom, advice and practical support that can be used by anyone in Leeds who is undertaking any kind of enterprise. It is for anyone who is looking to make progress, but needs a bit of a boost. Elsie provides a service that is confidential, competent and caring. www.leedscommunityenterprise.wordpress.com/about/
Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber
The Chamber’s Enterprising Leeds project offers coaching and intensive business support to people thinking about starting a business in certain parts of Leeds. The Chamber also offers a host of money saving services, events and training, mentoring and support to small and medium sized organisations. An account manager will provide personal contact helping you find what you are looking for. www.yourchamber.org.uk
Leeds Enterprise Network
The network brings together the expertise from business start-up services based at the University of Leeds, Spark, Leeds Metropolitan University, QU2 and Leeds City College all of whom play an important role in supporting the growth of early stage businesses in Leeds and surrounding areas. www.leedsenterprisenetwork.com
Web resources
There's lots of information about business start up online. Below is a selection of links that you might find useful.
www.gov.uk
This government website replaces the direct.gov and business link websites. Under 'businesses and self employed' you will find a range of tools and resources to support business start up and development.
www.hmrc.gov.uk
Under the 'businesses and corporations' area of this website you will find online tools, guidance and demonstrations on many aspects of starting up and registering your own business.
www.enterprisenation.com
An online business club promoting business start ups. A membership option is available which offers discounted rates on events and activities as well as other commercial business services.
www.startupbritain.co.uk
Government backed web initiative which promotes business start up events and support opportunities. Featuring case studies and inspirational stories as well as offers from business service providers such as BT and PayPal.
