What does the North London Pathways to Enterprise offer?
What is the cost to my business?
How long will the business support take?
What does the support involve?
What benefits will my business receive?
Who delivers the support?
The website claims that I am not eligible for support, what do I do?
My business is very specific, can I get specific support?
Who do I contact if I have a complaint?

Q1) What does the North London Pathways to Enterprise offer?
A 1) The NLPE offers tailored business support to people based in north London who have started a business and to those thinking about starting a business. We have specific expertise available to both start-up and existing business owners. We also have experienced business advisors who can guide you through the various challenges you will face if you are a registered disabled, woman, or a black and minority ethnic business owner.

North London Pathways to Enterprise is primarily designed for the following sectors:

• Wholesale and retail
• High-value manufacturing
• Construction
• Creative industries
• Food and drink
• Transport and logistics
• Clothing
• Leisure and hospitality

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Q2) What is the cost to my business?
A2) There is no cost to your business. All support received under the programme is free as the programme costs are fully subsidized by funding from the London Development Agency and the European Social Fund.

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Q3) How long will the business support take?
A3) For those thinking about setting up a business you can receive an initial 6 hour workshop covering business basics. In addition you can also receive a minimum of 2 hours of extra support to help you set your business up. If you have been established and trading for over 18 months we can support your business in the same way however focusing on particular issues you are facing at the time.

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Q4) What does the support involve?
A4a) For pre start entrepreneurs, depending on your needs as identified in an initial diagnostic assessment, you can expect to receive advice on the following topics:

• How to come up with an idea for a business and intellectual property
• Business Awareness workshop
• One-to-one advice and support
• Business Planning
• Marketing Research
• Presentation Skills
• Small Business Regulations
• Working from Home
• Time Management
  

A4b) For Start-up entrepreneurs, depending on your needs as identified in an initial diagnostic assessment, you can expect to receive advice on the following topics:

• Business Awareness workshop
• One-to-one advice and support
• Business Planning
• Marketing and Selling Skills
• Mentoring
• Bookkeeping, accounts, tax and VAT
• Communication Skills
• Marketing Research
• Presentation Skills
• Employing Others
• Excellent Customer Services
• Planning your Website
• E-Marketing
• Trading on the Web
• Small Business Regulations
• Working from Home
• Terms and Conditions
• Time Management
• Import and Export
• Support for franchise businesses

A4c) For micro businesses depending on your needs as identified in an initial diagnostic assessment, you can expect to receive advice on the following topics:

• Business Awareness workshop