This Halloween, Business Link wants to take the toil and trouble out of starting up in business. 

As the current economic climate look set to continue, Business Link is urging those workers being made redundant or facing increased competition for jobs, to discover if they can be their own boss through a series of FREE structured support workshops to help release their entrepreneurial spirit and turn their business dream into a reality.

Whether you are a woman, someone aged 50 plus, disabled, a member of a minority ethnic community, young, a graduate or someone living on a low income, fear not help is available to support those with the ambition to be their own boss to find the courage they need to turn their idea into a business reality.

Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB Ltd, the organisation responsible for delivering local access to the Business Link service comments 'With the recession leading to the rise of the 'necessity entrepreneur' we are seeing more and more people starting their own business because they have had to get themselves out of the downturn. Business Link is a local service available to help those with an entrepreneurial streak. 

We provide support and advice to those people considering starting their own business and help them access all the opportunities involved with starting a business during an economic downturn. We want to show that starting a business needn't be seen as a scary prospect - but an exciting and rewarding decision.'

Forthcoming workshops being held across the East Midlands include:

Is it for me? aimed at those people thinking of starting a business or working for themselves. It helps people decide what they want from their business and whether starting a business is right for them.

Getting the basics right

For those people actively committed to starting a business, this workshop includes practical advice on how to develop a business plan. 

Managing money

Looks at the critical subjects of financial planning, bookkeeping, cash flow and credit control.

Finding and keeping customers

Discover how best to reach your customers, understand the positioning of your offer and how the internet can be used as a valuable sales tool.

Running a successful business

Explores key issues involved with running a successful business, how to employ staff and get the best out of them. 

All Start-up workshops are FREE to attend and take place from 9.30am - 4.30pm. Contact Business Link on 0845 058 6644 for more information on locations, availability and additional support to turn your business dream into a business reality.