where do i start?

[babybop6379]

I am a lone parent on benefits and i have an idea to start up a business I will be running it from home where do i go for advice and what happens with my benefits if I do start it?

[Scarlett]

You can get small business advice from your local Bank- make an appointment.

[derriere]

Contact business link. Their website is a good place to start as it has loads of info and will also tell you details for your local branch - www.businesslink.gov.uk

Good luck!

[patc7641]

Go into your Jobcentre and ask to speak to your Lone Parent Adviser, the can advice on Test Trading, which allows you to work whilst on Benefits. It allows you to build up a business whilst you are starting out. You dont get your profits right away though, but gives you a safety net to try things out. They can also assist with you claiming tax credits if you return to work 16 hours or more and tell you what your tax credit entitlement will be before you start.

[l15a27]

yes do go see your loan parent advisor as she will make an appointment for you to go to the business consortium and they train you on how to run your business and try keep it afloat and you will also get the benefit of them paying you to start your own business you keep your benefits for a while and they help with you towards all the shop/office equiptment you need to get started its is excellent

let us know how you get on!!!

[rosyrussell]

Also make sure you investigate what you would be entitled to through working family tax credit - if you are working more than 16 hours a week (not necessarily paid work if you are setting up a business anything you do counts as work) you will be entitled to that. I have two children and was a single parent, and when I was setting up mygardening business I received over �100 per week from them, which was fantastic. Phone the tax office and they will advise you how you go about claiming. Good luck!

[babybop6379]

thanks everyone for your advice i will set up an appointment with my lone parent advisor straight away once again thanks will let you know