Start-up support - an overview

If you receive benefits and want to set up a new business, it is worth discussing your business plans with a Jobs & Benefits officer. They will be able to tell you how starting a business will affect your benefits and point you in the direction of practical support.

You may also be entitled to Working Tax Credits. These are payments to top up the earnings of working people on low incomes, including the self-employed. Find out about HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Tax Credits.

You can also find out about Working Tax Credits by calling the HMRC Tax Credits Helpline on Tel 0845 300 3900.

As you develop your plans to start a business you will find it helpful to get as much advice as possible. Advice and support is available to business start-up's in Northern Ireland from:

• Invest NI's regional office network offers training and advisory services to those starting up in business.
• Shell LiveWIRE help 16-30 year olds to start and develop their own businesses and runs an annual national competition for new business start-ups.
• The Prince's Trust provide start-up support including a range of loans and grants to 18-30 year old unemployed entrepreneurs.

You can also access free start-up business support from your local council. If you have a great idea but you're not sure how to turn it into a business, or you have already started out in business and require mentorship on your next steps, Go Succeed Start experts will help you to create a business plan, seek funding and put all the foundations in place to get your business up and running.

Complete a short enquiry form or call 0800 027 0639 to register for this free advice and guidance.

For further information see starting a business when unemployed.