March 19th, 2019.



The government's Industrial Strategy is helping to support small businesses and improve productivity across the country. Some of the help available to small businesses from funding to guidance and advice:


Access finance available to support small businesses
Startup and Grow Loans of up to £25,000 can give you a much-needed boost if you’re just starting out or looking to scale up. Or take a look at the British Business Bank’s Finance Hub for more finance options for smaller businesses.

If you are an entrepreneur or small business located in the North of England, the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund could provide the funding you need to help your business realise its potential.

Become more competitive by making a few simple changes
Be the Business provides practical tools and resources and can help small businesses across the UK supercharge productivity.

Get in touch with your local Growth Hub
Your Local Growth Hub can connect you to the right business advice and support at a local and national level, no matter what size or sector you’re operating in. This is available in England only.

Growing ideas
Innovate UK support businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas through funding and research collaboration. Their Knowledge Transfer Network also connects you to expertise, finance and markets to commercialise your innovation.

Get advice on selling overseas
If you are a small business invested in or currently selling overseas visit GREAT for guidance on exporting, access live export opportunities, find an online marketplace to sell your products overseas and access the right finance and insurance to help you win vital international contracts.

Make tax more straightforward
There are some fundamental changes to the way the tax system works. If you are a VAT-registered business the Making Tax Digital service will help make sure you get your tax right through the keeping of digital records and using software to submit your VAT return.

Take on an apprentice
Grow your own skilled workforce you need by taking on an apprentice. You can get government funding to cover some of the cost of training and assessing an apprentice if you’re in England.

The government has recently launched a new website with details about how businesses can make the most of our apprenticeship reforms.

Contact the Small Business Commissioner
If you’re having any issues with not being paid on time, the Small Business Commissioner can provide advice on late and unfair payment, to help you take action and work to resolve disputes.

Contact the Business Support Helpline
The free Business Support Helpline can also help you find the right advice and support at all stages of the business journey – whether you’re starting out, growing or looking to stay ahead. Find contact details for your area.

Business Representative Organisations (BROs) and UK Trade Associations
Business Representative Organisations are set up to help your business. Each sector has its own organisation that you can search for online.

Prepare your business for EU exit
The UK will leave the EU on 29 March 2019. Leaving the EU means your business may need to prepare for change.

You can find up to date information to help you understand how leaving the EU may affect your business and what you can do to get ready.