Startup support - Opportunity Peterborough

Startup support

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Starting a new business can be one of the most exciting and daunting things you can do, but there’s plenty of support available and Opportunity Peterborough can help you to access it. From start-up loans and managed workspaces, to advice and guidance on everything from tax to websites and business planning, we have the contacts that will help you to achieve your goals.

Where to start

There are lots of business toolkits available from national organisations like Sage and Enterprise Nation, there’s even a creative startup toolkit from thinktank, Nesta. Opportunity Peterborough can provide impartial one-to-one guidance, free of charge, on how to get your business off to the the best start, and what you need to consider before registering your business. We’ve included some tips below, but if you’d like to discuss options for your business idea, please get in touch.

Research your sector and market
Find your partners and suppliers. Understand what equipment you may need to purchase or lease
Formally set up your business, register for tax and (if you’re eligible) get funding.
- You can find a list of startup grants and loans here.
- You can also search the government’s website for relevant financial support here: www.gov.uk/business-finance-support
Register your business structure with HMRC: sole trader, limited company or business partnership.
Other things to consider include:
- Setting up a business bank account
- Legal compliance (including Health & Safety)
- Finding premises

Support providers

Here is a selection of specialist support providers for startup businesses in the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough area.

Peterborough Business IP Centre (at Peterborough Central Library)	BIPC walk-in space that offers a place for you to touch down and work on your business. The space can also host events Market research and company databases Learn new skills at workshops Confidential one-to-ones and mentoring Access to the British Library’s expertise by registering for regular webinars, from wherever you are in the world All free of charge	https://peterboroughlibraries.org.uk/bipc
New Enterprise Allowance	New businesses can receive mentoring as part of this support programme where you can also receive funding for: starting a new business, or developing an existing one if you are already self-employed You must be in receipt of Universal Credit.	www.gov.uk/moving-from-benefits-to-work/starting-your-own-business
Enterprise Nation	A vibrant community of small businesses and business advisers who can provide trusted business support Access events held up and down the UK, or online Access to business advisers via the online platform	www.enterprisenation.com/
Better Business For All	A partnership between business and national and local regulatory bodies promoting business growth and compliance. Will help any business, but is specifically designed to help start-ups, SME and local growing businesses. Run in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough by the Growth Hub.	cpcagrowthhub.co.uk/finance-funding/regulations/

Managed Workspaces

If you’d like to enquire about industrial or office space for your business please use the property search form on our Invest in Peterborough website. Alternatively, you can use the map below to find out more about managed workspaces and startup hubs in Peterborough:

For further guidance on where to access start-up business support in Peterborough, contact us.

Where to start

Support providers

Managed Workspaces

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