Support and advice for businesses
Support to start a business
Kingston is well established as a borough that fosters entrepreneurism, not least because of Kingston University being ranked number one for graduate start-ups out of all higher education institutions in the UK. We want to ensure starting a business is an option for all local residents, not just graduates. There are a number of funded support options available:
Explore Your Business Potential
Run by Kingston Adult Education to help you explore if starting a business is for you.
The programme is aimed at supporting people that may have additional barriers to work or career development such as (but not confined to) women returning to work, people with disabilities, ex-armed forces, those with prison experience, people living in social housing, people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, refugees , unemployed people and those receiving benefits, as well as the 40-50+ age group.
Courses will run from January 2024 - March 2025, in the form of a 6 weeks programme delivered in person in the Hook Centre, Chessington. It is free to eligible residents based in the borough. Funded by Kingston Council.
Email adult.education@kingston.gov.uk to enrol.
GO Set-Up
Run by Kingston Chamber of Commerce to support anyone thinking about starting a business. This programme is aimed at pre-start-ups; participants who want to start up a business and are ready to take the next steps to set up. The Go Set Up programme will help you with planning, getting set up, marketing, funding and finance with advice and guidance from a team of experienced start-up advisors.
Courses will run from January 2024 - March 2025, delivered as a combination of online and in person workshops. It is free to residents based in the borough. Funded by Kingston Council.
Visit www.kingstonchamber.co.uk/events/go-set-up-programme/ to find out more and book.
TownSq Start Up Club
Run by the new workspace TownSq Kingston to help individuals get equipped with the skills and information you need to turn your business idea into a reality.
Ideal for those who are starting up, those who are developing their business ideas around work commitments, or those turning a hobby into a business.
Free to attend. For more information register at www.townsqkingston.co.uk/startup-club
Kingston Shared Enterprise Club
Run by Shared Enterprise CIC, the club offers help and advice to people who want to discover and develop their entrepreneurial skills and start their own businesses, social enterprises or charities. It welcomes anyone who wants to explore ideas, whether or not they have a business idea. The Club meets on alternate Wednesday evenings 6-8pm at Queen Mary Hall, Cambridge Gardens, KT1 3NJ. Free to attend.
Visit www.sharedenterprise.org.uk for more details.
Other useful links on the council website:
There is also a huge range of online advice and support offered regionally and nationally by external organisations. See our useful business support links page for more details.
Useful start up links from the Gov.uk website: