BUSINESS MENTORS

Hi Folks

Are you aware of business mentors that provide free business advice to start up groups?

Thanks

Most UK business support organizations offer free mentoring programs, like the Prince's Trust for under 30s or your local Growth Hub which can connect you to sector-specific advisors. For beauty or cosmetic startups specifically, you might also check if there are any industry accelerators or incubators in your area since they often include mentorship as part of their program.

Yes, there are quite a few options available. Organisations like SCORE and UK-based initiatives such as Startup Britain often provide free advice and support for start-ups.

lmkeller0614 said:

Most UK business support organizations offer free mentoring programs, like the Prince's Trust for under 30s or your local Growth Hub which can connect you to sector-specific advisors. For beauty or cosmetic startups specifically, you might also check if there are any industry accelerators or incubators in your area since they often include mentorship as part of their program.

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Thanks for your reply. I am well over 30 - almost double that. Do you suggest that I search online for any business support organisations? I am a newly qualified bookkeeper and searching for clients. So ideally, I would like help in marketing my business.

I’d honestly focus less on broad “marketing” and more on:
getting visible locally
networking with small business owners
joining local business Facebook/LinkedIn groups
connecting with accountants who may refer overflow work
building trust/content around common bookkeeping mistakes small businesses make

A newly qualified bookkeeper can still get clients if people feel reliable communication and trust from you. Most small businesses are not looking for a flashy brand, they just want someone dependable and helps reduce stress.

geek84 said:

Thanks for your reply. I am well over 30 - almost double that. Do you suggest that I search online for any business support organisations? I am a newly qualified bookkeeper and searching for clients. So ideally, I would like help in marketing my business.

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You don't need a mentor. You need someone to help with marketing.

First thing to do is set up a GBP. Then get your website sorted. Then pay for Google ads, post on Nextdoor, offer advice on local forums and communities and make sure you have your business details on your car when you go shopping.

Thanks folks

Much appreciated.

Speak to a commercial insurance broker as part of the business planning stage, they will be able to help you forecast costs better. We see too many “£50 per month” estimates on the business insurance line and when it comes down to obtaining cover, its usually wildly off the mark. Salary aside, it could end up being one of the biggest expenses.

Where are you based? & what industry are you entering? There are actually quite a few local enterprise partnerships, startup hubs, & council-backed programs that offer free mentoring sessions.

jacktorres4 said:

Local Growth Hubs are an absolute goldmine for free support! If your startup group has a strong digital, marketing, or tech focus, you might also want to look into regional university enterprise zones
Many UK universities run free incubator projects that connect local startups with academic and industry experts for strategic mentoring
It's an amazing way to get professional guidance without draining your initial capital

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Yes this too