How to start my own business

This is a thought that most people will consider during some stage of their lives. Now that jobs are getting harder to find, many people are turning to self employment as a way to get back to work. Managed by Business Gateway Fife, the ‘Be Your Own Boss‘ project has become an important contact in the support of small business start-up throughout the regeneration areas of Fife.

The Enterprise Club

The 'Enterprise Club Fife was created by The Be Your Own Boss team and piloted in the Lochgelly Miners Institute. The club is open from 1pm to 4pm every Friday. The club invites anyone wishing to explore their business idea further to use the club's computers to research suppliers, competition, build on their business plan and much more. The BYOB team advisers will be there to assist, keeping you right every step of the way.
The Support for Enterprise Project Officers inform individuals of the start-up process by increasing awareness of potential funding, training, business advice and support available through Business Gateway. By de-mystifying the start up process the concept of working for yourself is promoted and participants are inspired and motivated. Links have been developed with other support agencies such as HMRC (Inland Revenue), the banks and Job Centres to ensure that you recieve the correct information, access to any available finance and guidance of what statutory entitlement you may be eligible for your first year of business.


No time like the present

Your first step to starting your own business should be to seek advice, support and explore areas of financial assistance. This includes any available grants, working tax credits you may be entitled to and other benefits that you may be able to retain through the initial start up period. BYOB advisers, Alan and Alastair above have been responsible for over 500 new starts including Ballingry taxi driver, Glenn Neve, who ranks as another successful start up business under the “Be Your Own Boss” Scheme, which aims to help people in the regeneration areas set up in business. Glenn launched ‘Saltire Transport Services’ in October 2007 after he was made redundant.
Glenn was so impressed with the wealth of information and help that was available at the free “Be Your Own Boss” sessions that were held in both Ballingry and Lochgelly. He gained important skills and knowledge that assisted him in starting up in business.

He also received help and advice from a specialist Business Adviser and financial assistance to help with marketing his business