I want to start a business

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.
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