Business start-ups
If you are interested in starting up a business or freelancing as a career, the Start-ups team are here to provide you with lots of advice and help through 1:1 support, workshops, and events. We can also help with funding to kick start your business or move your business on to the next level.
No matter what stage you are at in your thinking we have something for you.
Are you thinking you may want to explore being self-employed as a freelancer or through starting a business, but the ideas aren’t quite there yet?
• Contact the Start-Ups team for an informal chat and see how we can help you - solentstartups@solent.ac.uk or drop in and see us in JM109 (in Solent Creatives)
• Follow Solent Futures and Solent Creatives on Instagram to keep in the know about upcoming workshops and events that can help you to explore self-employment.
• Drop into Solent Creatives (JM109), to ask about paid creative opportunities whilst you are
studying.
Do you have a business idea/plan but would like some help shaping that plan and what you need to do? Are you running a business already but need some help and advice?
• Book in for a 1:1 chat with our independent Business Adviser. Appointments are available on campus on a Wednesday. Please e-mail solentstartups@solent.ac.uk to book.
Email solentstartups@solent.ac.uk with any questions you may have.
As well as the support at Solent University, below is a list of useful websites which are all government backed.
Setting up a business
When you set up your business you will need to register with Inland Revenue. This link will tell you about the different business structures and this is where you can register. https://www.gov.uk/set-up-business
Companies House
Setting up a Limited Company then go to this link you can search to see if the name you wish to use is available. It is also useful for checking out companies that you might want to do business with. https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company
The British Business Bank
If you are looking for a flexible loan to start up a new business, then visit this site. The British Business Bank are backed by the government and deliver their start up loan programme, providing finance and support for businesses who struggle to access other forms of finance. https://www.startuploans.co.uk/
Intellectual property (IP)
The IP of any business is its most important asset and should not be overlooked. If you would like to learn more about IP, then check out this link https://www.ipo.gov.uk/ip-support/ There are some interesting training sessions you can do. You may of course need to employ an IP solicitor, but this website will help you with the basics.
Nesta
If you are creative and starting a business Nesta created the Creative Enterprise Toolkit – a practical resource to help you plan, build, test and communicate and launch your creative business. https://www.nesta.org.uk/toolkit/creative-enterprise-toolkit/
Arts Council
If you are in the creative sector this website provides opportunities for some practitioners to apply for grant funding particularly in the cultural sector. https://www.artscouncil.org.uk