The Business Link network is a national government sponsored organisation that provides help and support to SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and individuals considering starting their own businesses. 

The mission of Business Link is to stimulate the growth of the local economy by improving businesses' performance.  The attached link to the Business Link website provides a comprehensive online resource including:

• An interactive business start-up organiser
• Choosing a business structure
• Preparing a business plan

Alternatively, there is also a wealth of information on starting a business available from the 'Startups.co.uk' website (opens in a new window) .  We recommend that you browse both of these sites as a first step in starting a business.  However, we would also like to stress that there is a vast array of support and advice available and it is important to spend some time finding the appropriate level for you and your company.

• Business planning

  Every year thousands of people decide to start up in business for various reasons such as redundancy, change of lifestyle, wanting a new challenge or just looking to make more money. Between this decision and actually setting up a business, there is the critical step of planning your business. Below are some of the main points to consider during this process.

• Senior Economic Development Officer
  Name: Helen Heanes
  Email: h.e.heanes@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 224677
  Full details for Helen Heanes