I want to start a business

A smiling man in an apron standing in front of a restaurant

There are over 5.5m businesses in the UK. If you’re ready to join them, we can help. Find out about different types of business, how to set yours up and how to get help from government-backed schemes.

Set up a business

What you need to do depends on your type of business, where you work and whether you take people on to help.

Find out how to set up a business

Apply for a government-backed Start Up loan

Apply for a government-backed Start Up loan of £500 to £25,000 to start or grow your business.

Find out more and apply

Get help with tax

You can get help if you don’t understand something about your tax.

Find out how to get help with tax

Business rates relief

Some properties are eligible for discounts from the local council on their business rates. This is called ‘business rates relief’.

Find out more about business rates relief

Becoming an employer

See a guide to the 7 things you need to do when employing staff for the first time

Find out more about becoming an employer