Thomas Dalton wrote:
2008/9/23 Ross Gardler
<ross.gardler(a)oucs.ox.ac.uk>uk>:
...
Thanks for that information. It sounds like they play
a similar role
for businesses as the Charity Commission does for charities. Several
people on this list have already contacted the Charity Commission for
advice on various issues. It may be a good idea to contact Business
Link as well.
No they are quite different. The Charities Commission are a regulatory
body. They will tell you what regulations you must comply with and how
to do so.
Business Link are about actually setting up and running a business
(including not for profits). They are about making connections between
you and others you need to connect with. They don't actually *do*
anything, they try and make sure you are equipped to do what you need.
Most importantly for this thread they know about all funding
opportunities for start-ups in each region. Often these funds are geared
towards one off fees to make sure everything is done right.
Last time I engaged with them I ended up with £7k to pay all fees for a
Social Enterprise Company. They didn't get it for me, I did that, but
they helped enormously.
Ross