Start-up support - an overview

There are a number of schemes that offer advice and support if you are a young entrepreneur. Many of them can also help if you are finding it difficult to raise finance.

The Prince's Trust

The Prince's Trust NI can help 18-30 year-olds who are unemployed or in part-time work and are interested in starting a business. You can apply to them for a low interest loan. The Trust also offers free legal advice and many other support services. Find out how the Prince's Trust can help you start your business.

Young Enterprise

Young Enterprise has several programmes aimed at giving young people an understanding of how business works through running their own businesses. Find details of Young Enterprise programmes.

Working tax credits

If you are not earning very much in the first months of your business, you may also be entitled to Working Tax Credits. These are payments to top up the earnings of working people on low incomes, including the self-employed. For more information, see support for entrepreneurs on low incomes.

Find out about HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Tax Credits.

You can also find out about Working Tax Credits by calling the HMRC Tax Credits Helpline on Tel 0845 300 3900.

Graduate entrepreneurs

If you're a graduate or student, you can access advice and support with the National Council for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE).

Your local council

Access free start-up business support from your local council. If you have a great idea but you're not sure how to turn it into a business, or you have already started out in business and require mentorship on your next steps, Go Succeed Start experts will help you to create a business plan, seek funding and put all the foundations in place to get your business up and running.

Complete a short enquiry form or call 0800 027 0639 to register for this free advice and guidance.

For further information see start a business: support for young entrepreneurs.