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Starting your business
Help for small, growing or new businesses including imports and exports .
Business Support
Starting a business is exciting, but the process can be challenging. The Centre has lots of resources to help you get started – from researching your business idea to launch. For an overview of our resources come to our ‘Resources for Business Start-Up’ workshop or contact us to book a 1:1 with our expert staff.
Jobs & Business Glasgow
Glasgow’s Regeneration Agency (GRA) is now known as Jobs & Business Glasgow.
It aims to increase the competitiveness of Glasgow’s residents in the jobs market by equipping them with the skills that employers value. It will also work with the small business base to increase the number of start-ups and help improve their resilience in order to create more jobs.
HM Revenue & Customs
Business Education & Support. Get help and support from HMRC if you’re an individual, self-employed, a business or an agent.
E-Learning From HMRC
There is an extensive range of e-learning products available from HMRC to help customers as they face key business life events, including starting in business, taking on an employee, registering for VAT, importing/exporting and incorporation.New Courses Added
Supplier Development Programme
The Supplier Development Programme (SDP) is a business support initiative using training and information to improve the competitiveness of local businesses.
SDP is a partnership of Local Authorities and Scot Gov (third sector) working together to bring business support in all aspects of tendering. By assisting businesses to become tender ready for public procurement and improving all-round efficiency, sustainability and market potential.
Business Gateway
Business Gateway is a publicly funded service contributing to the economic well being of Scotland by providing access to free business support services. Receive assistance and impartial advice of you're starting or growing a business.
Glasgow Chamber Of Commerce
More than 100 networking, training and showcasing occasions each year, providing invaluable professional development opportunities to members and non-members alike.
Related Documents
Educational Products and Services
Related Links
Glasgow City Council Business Support
Franchising in Scotland
Help for the young entrepreneur
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
HMRC Online Seminars
HMRC Youtube Channel
Ideas
The first step to starting a business is to come up with a viable business idea.
Dance teacher, driving instructor, dog walker…take a look at the business opportunity profiles in the Complete Business Reference Adviser (COBRA) to find more. Each profile provides information about the specific opportunity, identifying market issues, trends, relevant legislation, trading issues and any qualification and skill requirements.
COBRA also contains business information factsheets covering everything from writing your business plan to taking on your first employee. This easy-to-use online resource is available in all Glasgow Libraries and remotely with your library card.
Writing the plan
A good business plan can help you secure funding to get your business started.
Find out more from:
Cobra - A Guide to Writing a Business Plan
gov.uk – write a business plan
Business Gateway – prepare a business plan
Money for start ups
Starting up costs money. You may need to buy tools, products, promotional material, cover living expenses. Funding can come from various sources including personal savings, bank loans and government grants.
New Enterprise Allowance - if you are unemployed you might qualify for this scheme
Sources of Finance for Starting a Business - Cobra guide explaining different funding options
Finance and Support for your Business - Find government-backed support and finance for business and self-employment
mygov.scot search for business funding or advice - Search for business funding, grant and loan options available in Scotland
Registering with HMRC
Register with HMRC to make sure you pay the correct Income Tax and National Insurance.
For more information take a look at the following:
An Introduction to Tax, National Insurance and VAT - Cobra factsheet outlining different types of tax and legal obligations. Includes useful contact list for advice and support.
HMRC Help and support if you’re self-employed - Videos, webinars and online courses.
See more content on our Self Employment pages.