Posted: Mon, December 1, 2003
 Who can help me?
There are a number of agencies locally in Wales or in the UK who can help with advice, support and funding.
Business Eye 
Business Eye is a free, impartial information service created to find the answer to your business questions. Visit the website or telephone: 08457 96 97 98
Welsh Development Agency
The WDA National New Business Start-Up programme provides practical and free help for first time employers and people with business ideas, who may need support during the early years. Worth
looking through the website to see what support is available in different areas. To find out how the WDA can help you start your own business visit: www.becauseyoucan.com
Wales Spinout Programme
An all Wales programme to assist in the start-up of businesses that have a connection with one of the eleven Higher Education Institutions in Wales. The main elements of the support are a small
(max. £25000) unsecured interest free loan, access to rent-free space for twelve months, consultancy budgets (to £5000 per company) and the mentoring by one of the programme managers - there
are six based in the HEIs.
Wales Tourist Board
Find help if you are starting a tourism-related business.
Womens Enterprise Wales
Support and signposting for women wanting to start their own business. Courses and individual assistance.
Ethnic Business Support Programme
This Welsh initiative aims to help those from ethnic communities to set up their own businesses and offers a range of free business advice services.
Potentia
Potentia provides support in Wales to certain groups facing more barriers than most when setting up in business, such as disabled people, ethnic minorities and young people.
Prime Cymru
An increasing number of people aged 50 plus are starting up businesses in a bid to overcome economic and emotional exclusion; Prime Cymru aims to help these third-age entrepreneurs become a
success.
The Prince's Youth Business Trust
If you are young and have a business idea, here is the site for you from the Princes Trust. Full of helpful information in your area.
Shell LiveWire
The Shell LiveWire site offers comprehensive business advice and help for young entrepreneurs. If you are uncertain about your future, and are not necessarily ready to consider starting a business
at this point, visit The BIG TRIP for a framework to discover and assess what you have to offer.
Enterprise Insight Cymru
The Institute of Directors, CBI and British Chambers of Commerce have launched a new initiative to encourage young people in Wales to start up their own business. Aims to encourage more
positive attitudes towards enterprise amongst Welsh students and boost the creation of sustainable enterprises in Wales.
Community Enterprise Wales
Community Enterprise Wales is a network for organisations and individuals who are committed to developing community enterprise in Wales. It includes grassroots groups operating or planning to
establish community businesses, plus bodies which support them and the movement in Wales.
British Franchise Association
Franchising is a way of being your own boss without 'going it' completely alone. The franchisor provides the proven idea, the working area or territory, the promotional campaigns, advice and
business support. You invest in the brand and ultimately, your future. This website has advice on starting and developing a franchise, and details of companies seeking franchisees.
UK Business Incubation
This centre offers a wide range of information and help for business start-up in the UK.
Startups.co.uk
A useful website "for everything you need to know about starting up and running your Business". Also includes Businesses for
Sale.
So you want to start your own business? Web resources that every budding entrepreneur should consult before taking the
plunge
A useful article by Helen Clegg in Freepint - if you want to read more about some of the most helpful US & UK websites.
Busygirl.co.uk
A business technology network for women entrepreneurs, providing a range of business development services.
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