Being enterprising gives an individual a positive outlook, and ability to see the glass as half full rather than half empty, and is a valuable attribute for life.

It's about:

• Innovative thinking and opportunity spotting
• Problem-solving
• Communicating
• Project management and budgeting
• Risk taking and building resilience.

Enterprise is about a positive attitude and equipping people with the confidence to develop a career and vocational interests.

Developing enterprise skills and capabilities creates self-belief that starting a business is a viable career choice and one of the most exciting and challenging things a person will ever do. It is a skill that is highly sought after by many national recruiters. 

What is entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship is the ability to apply the above skills to starting and running a business. 

“Enterprise education aims to produce graduates with the mindset and skills to come up with original ideas in response to identified needs and shortfalls, and the ability to act on them.” The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education 2012

Take a few minutes to be inspired with some thoughts on entrepreneurship in the video below.

Even when you are at the stage of thinking about your business idea, starting to write an outline business plan (even one without detailed financial costings) will help you to formulate a strategy and discuss your plans with people in business support organisations and financial institutions.

GOV.UK Start your own business

Outlines how to start out with your idea, information on funding and market research, develop your business plan and finding partners, suppliers and premises. There is also the option of chatting to a business adviser over the telephone using the business support helpline.

HM Revenue and Customs

Links to guidance on what you need to do for tax and National Insurance purposes when you start up a business as a self-employed person, a partnership or a limited company.

Institute of Chartered Accountants England & Wales

Publishes several briefings covering core business subjects including ‘start-up’ issues. The briefings are four-page guides written for the entrepreneurs providing concise, practical advice on core business issues.

The National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education

NCEE uses its networks, partners and resources to stimulate and encourage a more entrepreneurial education and support sector to create the opportunities for more individuals and organisations to develop the capacities they need for an entrepreneurial future.

New Enterprise Allowance

The NEA can provide money and support to help people start their own business if they get certain benefits and have a business idea that could work.

Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme

For those aged between 18-30 and currently unemployed, The Prince's Trust Enterprise programme will help you work out if your business ideas are viable.

Wright Hassel

One of the critical things in your business journey, from start-up to success, will be raising the initial finance to get your concept off the ground. Wright Hassel have the ultimate funding start up guide.

Angels Den

Connects investors and entrepreneurs looking for funding, both online and through their pitching events. Tap into a massive network of investors who are active and looking to invest, loan or donate to a pitch like yours.

StartUp Britain

A national campaign by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, harnessing the expertise and passion of Britain’s leading businesspeople to celebrate, inspire and accelerate enterprise in the UK.

Nesta

An independent charity with a mission to help people and organisations bring great ideas to life. They do this by providing investments and grants and mobilising research, networks and skills.

UnLtd

UnLtd have supported over 16,500 social entrepreneurs since 2002. From starting up to scaling up, UnLtd's unique package of support and funding helps social entrepreneurs to realise their untapped potential and build a better society for all.

Useful resources

• Have a look at our 10 steps to developing your business idea resource and Starting your own business leaflet
• Consider help from financial institutions such as Natwest, Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds Bank (most of the major banks will not only offer financial advice but also start-up advice and guidance with your business plan)
• Other useful information and resources can also be found on Prospects, The Entrepreneur Handbook, Startup Stash and Digital Business Academy.
• Guide on Pensions for the Self-Employed: This guide provides supportive information on the benefits of having a pension if you’re self-employed and further guidance to help you make informed decisions. For more details, please visit: Aviva: Self-Employed Pension Guide

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