Enterprise and Business Startup

Be the Boss is a UK Government funded scheme to help Service leavers looking to start their own business or become self-employed.

The "Be the Boss" scheme is being delivered by the Royal British Legion and will provide current and recent Service leavers with information, advice and guidance on business start up and includes financial assistance in the form of grants and loans to assist with the costs of starting and growing a business.

Be the Boss also includes ongoing support and matching newly established business with a mentoring service to provide assistance to those in the early stage of their business career.

Having a business mentor can help you develop key business skills, build your confidence and widen your network of business contacts. It can also help you develop a stronger and more sustainable business. Whether you are already established or are starting up, a good mentor typically helps to increase turnover, productivity and employee numbers as a direct result of the partnership. A mentor can also provide the support that you need at the beginning.

The Business Mentoring Programme provides a network of mentors who have Served and made the transition to working for themselves.

There are a number of definitions of "enterprise" and entrepreneurship but at Civvy Street, we are focussing on the setting up of new businesses and supporting you to be successful. The services provided in Civvy Street include :- 

a) Access to Business Advice and Support
b) Development of enterprise skills and entrepreneurship
c) Access to funding

Find out more
 

Loans and Grants may be available to help you set up your business and make it successful

Be The Boss - a scheme funded by the UK government's Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and managed by The Royal British Legion to provide financial assistance in the form of loans and grants to ex-Services personnel who are leaving or have recently left the UK Armed Forces and want to set up in business for themselves.

Starting a new business is both exciting and rewarding, but it is also full of challenges. The level of commitment that you will need should not be underestimated.

The success of your business will partly depend on your attitude and skills. This means being honest about a range of issues - your knowledge, your financial status and the personal qualities that you can bring to your new business.

Commitment, drive, perseverance and support from family and friends will go a long way towards transforming your business idea into reality and will be especially important during the early days.

Civvy Street will shortly be providing an Online Business Advice facility. If you currently have a business enquiry, please email betheboss@civvystreet.org