New Year, New Business idea

Start your own business with free support from MENTA

Entrepreneurs looking to start a new business in 2021 can take advantage of a free package of help and advice from business support organisation MENTA. Thousands of new businesses in Suffolk and Norfolk have already taken up the offer, which has evolved and adapted as the world of work has changed during the pandemic.

The programme offers three workshops, all of which must be completed, and is available to anyone in the two counties who is thinking of starting a business or has been trading for less than 12 months.  It’s suitable for people wanting to become freelance or a sole trader or those looking to run a small business.

MENTA Chief Executive Alex Till said: “I’m sure most people will be glad to see the back of 2020 and will start 2021 with new energy – which is one of the best attributes for starting a new business.  Some may be considering the next step because of redundancy and this can be a wonderful opportunity to use your skills to be your own boss.  Whether you want to branch out as a freelance doing what you previously did for an employer or you’ve had a hobby business and are now ready to take the next step with it, MENTA can give you the best possible start.”

The three free workshops, which have been funded by the European Regional Development Fund, start with Business Planning covering finance and planning as well as understanding self-employment.  It’s followed by marketing, including setting up a website and using social media.  The final workshop is about the all-important book-keeping and will explain tax and NI as well as self-assessment.  This interactive live training is delivered by video-conferencing in the comfort of your own home.

Visit www.menta.org.uk/start-up-training for more information.