Choose the right structure for your social enterprise

As well as the mainstream support available to all business start-ups there are some initiatives and organisations designed for social entrepreneurs:

• Social Enterprise NI is a central meeting point for social enterprises in Northern Ireland where they can collaborate, share knowledge, information and best practice to create real social change. You can also keep track of latest events and news relating to social enterprises.
• Free advice and loans are available from the Ulster Community Investment Trust(UCIT).
• The NI Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) is a source of advice, support and training, as well as providing signposts to other support bodies.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have produced a helpful e-learning course to help social enterprises get to grips with taxes when starting up - see tax help for social enterprises.

Free business start-up support

Access free start-up business support from your local council. Contact them to get one-to-one advice from a business advisor and tailored guidance to develop your business plan.

If you are considering starting up a new business, you need to consider a number of factors to ensure the best chance of success - see step-by-step guide to starting a business.

Northern Ireland business support finder

The Northern Ireland business support finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded and not-for-profit sources of business growth assistance you may be eligible to apply for. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.