The Be the Boss scheme is open to former members of HM Armed Forces (including members of the Reserve Forces) discharged on or after 7 October 2001. This includes former Reservists who were on mobilised service in accordance with the Reserve Forces Act 1996 before 7 October 2001 provided they were also on mobilised service on or after 7 October 2001.

Applicants and their businesses must be resident in the UK. Existing businesses seeking funding must have been trading for no more than two years.

 

How to Apply

Be the Boss funding is only available to eligible persons who complete a full Information, Advice and Guidance process with an enterprise agency through one of the Legion’s delivery partners.

Specialised Partners are available to provide bespoke training and assistance for applicants aged 18-30 or to disabled applicants.

Apply now to begin a course in your region.

 

 

Step One – Business Start-Up or Growth Training

All participants must complete an Information, Advice and Guidance programme with a Be the Boss delivery partner. Whether you're starting up, already running a business, or looking to grow and develop, this will help you create a Business or Growth Plan, financial forecast, and build skills to:

  • market and sell your product
  • manage your finances
  • employ people
  • find and keep customers 
  • pay the correct tax 
  • identify funding and support 
 

Step Two – Application for Be the Boss Funding

After completing a full Information, Advice and Guidance programme through a Be the Boss delivery partner, participants must submit a business plan and financial forecast consistent with the Be the Boss guidelines. This information will be confirmed with the participant’s Enterprise Agency and business advisor, after which he/she will be invited to submit a funding application.

Download Be the Boss Guidelines

 

Step Three – Mentoring and Business Health Checks

Mentoring Support After receiving start-up or growth funding, Be the Boss participants commit to participate in a programme of mentoring and business health checks based upon the nature and scale of their business, their enterprise agency, region and individual needs.

 

Funding Support

Successful applicants will receive mixed funding in a grant and a loan. Total funding values will average between £3,000 and £7,500 and may not exceed a total of £30,000 for each individual over the length of their involvement in the Be the Boss programme. The ratio of grants to loans will be 25%/75% (respectively) of total funded support.

 

Helpline - 0800 678 5787

If there is any information that is not provided on this website or if you need specialist help or assistance, please contact the 'Be the Boss' dedicated free phone helpline 0800 678 5787 or email betheboss@civvystreet.org