Starting a business when you are young
Introduction
Many young people run successful businesses.
Setting up in business and sustaining it, especially in its early stages, is a real challenge. Young people can find it particularly hard to translate business ideas into a working reality. However, with the right approach, guidance and support, young entrepreneurs can succeed.
This guide looks at the first steps of setting up a business, the best business structure to suit you and the rules and regulations you need to be aware of. It also has information about organisations providing support and finance to would-be entrepreneurs under the age of 30.
Subjects covered in this guide
- Introduction
- Do you have what it takes?
- Starting a business
- Considerations for young entrepreneurs
- Planning for success
- Securing finance
- Financial planning and control
- Recruiting staff
- Networking and mentoring
- Here's how I set up a business when I was 23

Business Link Helpline
0845 600 9 006
Prince's Trust Helpline
0800 842 842

Actions
- Start-up information on the Connexions Direct website - Opens in a new window
- Self-employment basics on the need2know website - Opens in a new window
- Start-up support for young people on the Shell LiveWIRE website - Opens in a new window
- Listen to expert advice on starting a business in our series of audio interviews
- Manage your personal list of starting-up tasks with our Business start-up organiser
- Find your local Business Link through our Contacts Directory
- View local and national events linked to this topic



