The following organisations will be able to be provide you with further support in setting up your own business.
Action for Blind People
Telephone: 0800 915 4666
Website: www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk
Action for Blind People's Self-Employment Unit provide a range of support including business plan coaching, accessing funding where possible, help with marketing and ongoing mentoring and support.
UKVISE
Website: www.magill.co.uk/ukvijobs/
Email: brendan@magill.co.uk
UKVISE is an internet discussion group for blind and partially sighted people involved with setting-up or running a small business. It is a free service and open to anyone interested in matters relating to small enterprise or self-employment.
Association of Disabled Professionals
Telephone: 01204 431638
Website: www.adp.org.uk
Email: adp.admin@htlworld.com
ADP is a membership organisation that provides advice, information and peer support to disabled people interested in working in professional fields. ADP also provides a quarterly newsletter and a series of employment guides for disabled people.
Business Link
Telephone: 0845 600 9006
Website: www.businesslink.gov.uk
Business Link is the government agency that runs the Small Business Service that provides general information on starting up a small business. It operates the Business Link National Contact Centre, which is a helpline and website designed to deliver information and advice for small businesses.
The Small Business Service also operates a network of local providers throughout the UK, which can provide independent and impartial advice. These are provided through Business Link in England, Business Connect in Wales, Small Business Gateways in Lowland Scotland, Business Information Sources in Highland Scotland and Invest NI for Northern Ireland.
Blind Business Association Charitable Trust (BBACT)
Telephone: 0845 045 0696
Website: www.bbact.org.uk
Email: info@bbact.org.uk
BBACT offer services to blind and partially sighted people who are self-employed or who are considering starting a business. The BBACT website can provide you with useful, relevant and interesting information to assist you in achieving your business and personal goals. BBACT will also be able to make you aware of any related events and promising opportunities.
Local Enterprise Agencies
Telephone: 01234 831 623
Website: www.nfea.com
Email: enquiries@nfea.com
Local enterprise agencies give free general advice and support to small businesses. Training courses are also available, which are often free.
The Prince's Trust
Telephone: 0800 842 842
Website: www.princes-trust.org.uk
Email: webinfops@princes-trust.org.uk
The Prince's Trust helps young unemployed people aged 18-31 to set up their own businesses. The Trust can give loans, on-going business advice and help with marketing.
PRIME
Telephone: 0800 783 1904
Website: www.primeinitiative.org.uk
PRIME is the only national organisation dedicated to helping people aged over 50 to set up in business. They promote the possibility of starting a business to the over 50s. They will also provide contact details of local organisations that can give initial business help and free advice. PRIME also give out loans to people looking to set up their own business.