Free Support For UK Small Businesses

Free one-to-one mentoring from experienced business leaders matched to your specific challenges. Backed by the UK government and major corporates. Suitable for businesses with growth ambitions.

The British Chambers of Commerce and local chambers offer free mentoring through their business support networks. Contact your local chamber to find a mentor in your sector.

Free mentoring, training and funding support for 18–30 year olds who want to start or grow a business. Includes a dedicated business mentor for up to two years.

Free business education and mentoring programme for established small businesses. Includes workshops, peer learning and access to a network of alumni and advisers.

Free mentoring and support for early-stage businesses, including access to Virgin's network of experienced entrepreneurs and business advisers.

The UK's national gateway to business mentoring. Search for free and low-cost mentors by sector, region and business stage. Backed by the British Business Bank.

Free 30-minute consultations with ICAEW-qualified accountants and business advisers. No obligation, no charge — just practical guidance from a qualified professional.

A government-funded 12-week programme for small business leaders covering strategy, marketing, finance and leadership. 90% subsidised — you pay just £750. Delivered by leading UK business schools.

Free impartial advice on choosing and adopting digital tools for your business, plus discounts on approved software. Aimed at small businesses with 1–249 employees.

Free online courses covering digital marketing, data and tech, career development and more. Includes a free certificate in Fundamentals of Digital Marketing, accredited by the IAB.

Free online training from Meta covering Facebook and Instagram marketing, advertising, and business tools. Useful for businesses using social media to reach customers.

Free e-learning platform with 200+ free courses on topics including digital marketing, finance, HR and business planning. Open to all UK small businesses.

Free live webinars and recorded e-learning from HMRC covering Self Assessment, VAT, PAYE, Making Tax Digital and more. Essential for any business owner managing their own tax.

Hundreds of free short courses from The Open University covering business, management, finance, marketing and entrepreneurship. No registration required for most courses.

Thousands of free online courses from leading universities and companies. Audit most courses for free. Topics include business strategy, accounting, marketing and leadership.

The government-backed British Business Bank's Finance Hub helps small businesses understand their funding options — from loans and equity to grants. Includes a free finance finder tool.

Official government tool to find grants, loans and other financial support available to your business. Filter by location, business size, sector and type of support.

Government grants for innovative businesses, including Innovate UK Smart Grants and sector-specific funding. Open to businesses of all sizes with innovative products or processes.

Government-backed personal loans of £500–£25,000 for new businesses, with a fixed interest rate of 6% per annum. Includes free mentoring and support before and after your loan.

Free, impartial money guidance from the government-backed Money and Pensions Service. Includes guidance on managing business debt, cash flow and financial difficulty.

Free debt advice specifically for self-employed people and small businesses. Operated by the Money Advice Trust. Includes a free helpline, online advice tool and webchat.

Regularly updated directory of grants available to UK small businesses, searchable by region, sector and business type. Free to use.

Free 30-minute consultations with ICAEW-qualified accountants. Ideal for businesses that need financial guidance but can't yet afford ongoing accountancy support.

Guidance, resources and signposting for disabled entrepreneurs and self-employed people. Covers Access to Work, benefits, reasonable adjustments and starting a business with a disability.

Government grant scheme that pays for practical support for disabled people who are self-employed. Can cover specialist equipment, support workers, travel costs and adaptations. Apply through GOV.UK.

Scope's helpline and online resources include guidance for disabled people who are self-employed or considering starting a business. Free helpline: 0808 800 3333.

Resources and support for business owners experiencing stress, anxiety, burnout or other mental health challenges. Includes a free online wellbeing hub and signposting to local support.

Free resources from Mind covering mental health at work, stress management, and supporting yourself as a self-employed person. Includes a free infoline: 0300 123 3393.

Free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you're feeling overwhelmed, isolated or struggling to cope, Samaritans are available to listen. Call 116 123 (free, any time).

Anxiety UK offers support for people with anxiety disorders, including those who are self-employed. Includes a helpline, online therapy and peer support groups.

Free employment and self-employment support for disabled people and those with health conditions. Includes one-to-one support, skills development and access to specialist advisers.

Free mentoring and support programmes for women entrepreneurs, including those facing additional barriers such as disability or caring responsibilities.

Support and resources for disabled people in work and self-employment. Includes guidance on benefits, Access to Work, and managing a business with a disability.