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Self employment

Setting up your own business after year 11 is unusual but not impossible. Being self-employed means being your own boss, but it also means a lot of hard work and dedication. It isn't for everybody. Remember, no one will give you holiday or sick pay - it will be down to you to earn enough money to keep you going throughout the year whatever happens.

But, if you've thought it through and decided it is for you, you'll need:

• a great business idea
• strong enterprise skills
• the ability to work extremely hard
• possibly start-up money
• expert advice.

Why not boost your enterprise skills by signing up for enterprise activities in school or college? Look out for Young Enterprise projects and go to the student information section of Young Biz.

There's also plenty of advice and support out there. So, before you make that big step, get some advice from an expert - even big businesses do this so don't go it alone.

The following websites contain more information and details of support (including start-up finance) available to you.

• Visit Connexions Direct for advice on starting up your own business.
• Shell LiveWIRE is the UK's biggest online community for young entrepreneurs (aged 16-30) who are starting or running their own business.
• Business Link offers practical advice if you're considering setting up your own business.
• The Enterprise Programme from the Princes Trust offers start-up services and finance to help young people (aged 18-30) who are unable to raise all the finances to start-up a business from other sources.

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