On 28 May 2012 the Department of Business launched a subsidised loan scheme through StartUp Britain.
Anyone living in England who is aged between 18 and 24 is eligible to apply for a loan of up to £2,500.
You will need to prepare a business plan.
As well as the loan, applicants receive business support and mentoring and a free copy of the StartUp Loans Kit, which offers the guidance you need to start a business plus over £500-worth of offers on products from business cards to websites, netbooks and work suits.
There’s a internet forum where you can discuss issues effecting your new business with other people who are in the same situation or have already set up their own businesses.
North Devon’s StartUp champion is Mike Lillis. More information is available on his website.
National and local special offers for start-up businesses are available in the StartUp Britain marketplace.
Remember that as members of the ICAEW Business Advice Service, we offer free initial consultations to business start-ups.
As ICAEW Chartered Accountants, we can give you expert advice on how best to plan, start, manage and grow your business.