We appreciate starting a new business has many pitfalls so we have put together some key information that should help you if you are providing products or a service to customers.

Business start-up events in Surrey during summer and autumn 2011

Business Link is running a series of free start-up workshops in Guildford, Reigate and Woking during August, September and November 2011. The events give you the essential grounding you need to get your business started.

Find out more:

• Business Link Events for start-up businesses
• Surrey-i - providing you with an insight into the residents, communities and local economy of Surrey to help inform your business planning and development

Web pages on the Business Link website:

• Starting Up
• Set up and register as self-employed
• Grants to help with business development
• Prevent discrimination and value diversity

Finance and other advice

• New Enterprise Allowanceon DWP website - The Government gives extra help to unemployed people who want to start their own business, through the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA).
• Help for new small businesses announced on Directgov - The government has published a package of support to ease the problems of small businesses and to encourage unemployed people to move into self-employment.The plans are outlined in a document called Backing Small Business.
• Self Employment adviceon Directgov - If you want to become self-employed, find out about the free help and support available, and whether you qualify for the New Enterprise Allowance.
• Startups - Build a Better Business - Startups.co.uk is an online resource for starting a business. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur ready to start a business for the first time or you are an established entrepreneur looking to do it a second time, Startups.co.uk have all the news and information you need to get your small business starting on the right foot.

Further help

Contact the Surrey business advice line with your questions - Tel: 01372 371737

Find out more...

• Business information in the borough councils
• Business Rates
• Business Continuity - a framework to ensure the resilience of your business to any eventuality, to help ensure continuity of service to your key customers and the protection of your brand and reputation.