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GOING INTO BUSINESS FOR YOURSELF |
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- People become self-employed for a number of reasons, making use of a variety of skills and talents
- Making it work means learning new skills as well as brushing up on existing ones
- You will have to handle money, deal with suppliers, get and keep customers
- You will be in control of making your own decisions, which will mean having to be keen, highly motivated and disciplined
- You will have to deal with stress and conflicting priorities
- The decision to become self-employed should be a positive one and not something you turn to because all else has failed
- Working for yourself can mean greater flexibility in fitting in with other commitments. It can also mean having to respond to urgent deadlines and working unsocial hours
- If successful, you will be able to shape your own future and feel you are the one benefiting from your efforts, rather than lining someone else's pocket
- Running your business legitimately, rather than working 'on the side' does away with the fear of constantly looking over your shoulder, and can allow you to look for new customers outside your local area or circle of friends by using proper promotional activities
- Every year 20,000 people take the challenging
step of becoming their own boss. If you are thinking of joining them
and becoming self-employed, this section will help with sources of help
and advice
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The Access Partnership |
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See entry in
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Community Enterprise Limited |
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See entry in
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The Edinburgh Business Loan Fund |
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(FORMERLY THE CAPITAL SMALL BUSINESS LOAN FUND)
See entry in
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Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise |
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The Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise provides a range of services to its members and the wider business community as follows:
Edinburgh Business Development provides business start-up and business development advice to assist companies at any stage throughout their birth and growth. This gives free access to Councillors who will provide advice and support.
Edinburgh Business Training: Skills
development for staff throughout the organisation no matter at what level,
or in what function. Clients cover the whole spectrum of
activity from manufacturing to business services and the public sector.
Edinburgh International Trade: A comprehensive service for exporters that encompasses consultancy, training and practical support with procedures or documentation.
Members Services: Networking Opportunities with the rest of the business community via the extensive meetings and events programme. The members' affinity scheme provides discounts on many business services.
CONTACT
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise
Conference House
152 Morrison Street
Edinburgh EH3 8EB
Tel: 0131 477 7000
Fax: 0131 477 7002
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LEEL Catalyst |
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| • Size of business: |  |
| • Kind of funding: | Advice/Consultancy |
LEEL Catalyst, which is part of the LEEL New Ventures programme, is aimed at bringing together skilled and committed individuals to form the management teams of potential new, high-growth companies. A wide range of skills and experience are sought, but more important is the drive and determination to create a business which could go on to become a market leader.
CONTACT
Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Limited
Apex House
99 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh EH12 5HD
Freephone: 0800 78 78 78
Tel: 0131 313 4000
Fax: 0131 313 4231
E-mail: info@leel.co.uk
Website: www.leel.co.uk
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LEEL New Ventures |
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| • Size of business: | |
| • Kind of funding: | Advice/Consultancy |
LEEL New Ventures provides the impartial advice and support new businesses need at all stages of the start-up process.
An integrated service offering advice, information and training tailored to the needs of the business and the individual, whether you are going it alone or building a company capable of rapid and sustainable growth.
The service helps the business through the first crucial stages of setting up and planning a business by providing market research information, training and counselling sessions.
After launch, on-going support in the form of further training, mentoring, advice and networking opportunities is available.
Eligible businesses
Individuals.
CONTACT
Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise Limited
Apex House
99 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh EH12 5HD
Freephone: 0800 78 78 78
Tel: 0131 313 4000
Fax: 0131 313 4231
E-mail: info@leel.co.uk
Website: www.leel.co.uk
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Shell LiveWIRE |
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| • Size of business: |  |
| • Kind of funding: | Advice |
Shell LiveWIRE encourages young people between the age of 16-30 to consider the option of starting their own business. We provide quality information and advice to guide people through the initial stages of starting up, linking to a source of local business advice and hosting a national competition for new business start-ups.
We will provide an 'essential business kit' containing a guide to writing a business plan, advice on first-time market research and a fact-sheet on your specific business idea.
CONTACT
LiveWIRE Tel: 0345 573252
