Useful links
Below are a number of links, that we will add to over time, to a range of websites that you may find useful:
Disability Benefits
Disability Alliance
Disability Alliance (DA), publishers of the Disability Rights Handbook, is regarded as the leading authority on social security benefits for disabled people.
http://www.disabilityalliance.org
CAB Advice line
The online CAB service provides independent advice on your rights that is practical, reliable, up-to-date information on a wide range of topics, including what benefits you may be entitled to and coming off benefits, housing, employment and debt, consumer and legal issues.
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/
Government agencies
Inland Revenue
If you\'re thinking of working for yourself or have just started, you can arrange a free appointment with someone from the Business Support teams. They can give you practical advice on the tax matters that will affect you: record-keeping, filling in and filing your tax return - and what to do if you take someone on.
Sector Skills Councils (SSC)
At the heart of the Skills for Business network are 25 Sector Skills Councils (SSCs). Each SSC is an employer-led, independent organisation that covers a specific sector across the UK.
National Innovation Centre (NIC)
National Innovation Centre (NIC) is a part of the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement (NHS Institute*) and works to speed up the development and adoption of technological innovations that deliver the best results for the patient. If you have an product idea that you think will benefit NHS patients, then visit this website to see how they can offer support and assess your idea.
Business Link
Business Link website contains a wealth of information, support and advice for the would-be entrepreneur including start-up, finance, regulations, sales & marketing and advice on growing your business, as well as links to your local Business Link office and local seminars
New Business New Life
New Business New Life (supported by Business Link) this is a free service that helps people from all walks of life in the East Midlands to set up their own businesses.
http://www.newbusiness-newlife.com
Enterprising Streak
This is an initiative, coordinated by the East Midlands Development Agency, to help young people, aged between 14 - 30, to develop their enterprising skills in the East Midlands. The website brings together experts who can provide specific, direct and ongoing support to help young people take their ideas forward.
IT
BCentral
bCentral is a Microsoft UK initiative to help millions of small business owner-managers.
Professional Associations & Networks
Association of Disabled Professionals
Association of Disabled Professionals was established in 1971 and provides disabled people with advice, information around employment related issues as well as networking opportunities for its 300 Members.
Coalfields Enterprise Fund
This is a commercial venture capital fund that is set up to support the growth of businesses and encourage entrepreneurship in England\'s former coalfields. The Fund brings over £20 million of new investment into these areas and finance new-start companies, established businesses seeking to expand, acquisitions and mergers, and buy-outs/buy-ins.
www.coalfields-enterprise-fund.co.uk
Flying Start
Flying Start gives thousands of undergraduates and graduates the opportunity to follow their dreams and start their own business. There are three components - Rallies, Programmes and Online which provides a national network of mentors and entrepreneurs, a searchable comprehensive funding database and expert advice
http://www.flyingstart-ncge.com
Local services and facilities
Start-up Cafe, Coventry
A new concept in business networking. Unique to the UK, Start-Up Café is a global concept bringing together entrepreneurs in physical and virtual meeting space. Start-Up Café is located at Coventry University.
Peer Support
Ready To Start Blog
Visit the Ready To Start Blog to get advice and support from other entrepreneurs and people interested in issues around disability and enterpreneurship
Ready to help?
Ready to Help utilises a network of financial experts, business entrepreneurs, disability groups and personal buddies from Barclays to support the initative around the UK.
Find out how you can help:
