Being self employed and running your own business is a viable option for many students and graduates. The following organisations offer information and advice. Some also offer funding to help you get started.

• Gov.uk - starting up your own business (replaces Business Link)
• Gov.uk - checklist of what you need to do to set up your own business
• National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education - provides a wealth of information
• Prince's Trust - supports young people in setting up their own business
• Prospects - website dedicated to graduates
• Shell Live Wire - online community for young entrepreneurs
• Start a business in Bedfordshire - information and resources to help you get started
• YES Network - Young Entrepreneur Society

• Other Business Support - organisations offering support for business start-up (includes business support for blind and partially sighted people)

The Innovation and Enterprise Service is the gateway for business support at the University who offer free training for those who have a business idea that they would like to pursue.

• Brightside Start-up Loans - offering help to young people with a business idea. This is in partnership with Government Start-up Loans Scheme.

Starting Your Own Business is an e-Learning tool produced by HMRC.

This will help you understand your obligations as a business owner in respect of tax and VAT etc.