Want to work for yourself one day? Explore small business ideas, learn how money works and make a plan in your own words. You do not need money, experience or a finished idea to start exploring.
Free to use · No registration · No personal details requested
You might be creative, good at helping people, interested in music or happiest working outdoors. There is no single route. This Hub helps you discover what suits you, try an idea on a small scale and decide what to do next.
Choose something you enjoy or a problem you could help solve.
Ask people what they need, work out costs and try a small activity.
Get help with customers, money, legal rules and next steps.
These are examples for planning, not offers of work. The start-up budgets are illustrative estimates, not guaranteed prices. You might spend less by borrowing equipment, or more depending on what you need.
Create product photos, portraits or simple images for community groups and small businesses, with permission.
Example start-up £0–£100Start by making a sample portfolio. Agree permissions before photographing people.
Design flyers, menus, event posters and simple social media graphics for local organisations.
Example start-up £0–£60Begin with three sample designs and ask a local organisation what they need.
Help plan playlists, promotion or sound at supervised community events before taking paid bookings.
Example start-up £0–£200Borrow or hire equipment. Check music licences, insurance and venue rules.
Offer basic exterior or interior cleaning with a simple list of services and clear prices.
Example start-up £70–£250Check safe chemical use, permission to work at a location and insurance.
Design cards, jewellery or other simple handmade products and test whether people would buy them.
Example start-up £30–£150Make a few samples first. Check product safety and selling platform rules.
Offer simple planting, weeding and tidying without taking on dangerous machinery or specialist work.
Example start-up £40–£160Agree the task first. Check tool safety, travel and insurance.
Sell a small selection of items at a permitted community market or event.
Example start-up £30–£150Check market permission, stall costs, product rules and age requirements.
Help with basic website content, simple spreadsheets or photo catalogues.
Example start-up £0–£80Only use access and information the business has agreed to share.
Try the free idea planner. You do not need to enter your real name, address or anything private. Your answers stay in this browser page and are not sent to Nexsteps. Print a copy if you choose.
My idea:
Who might buy it:
How I might test it:
This is money left after the direct costs you entered, but before other expenses, any taxes and the one-off start-up spend. It is not a reliable profit forecast. You need customers before sales happen.
Your answers are not saved to an account. If you print or save the plan, keep it somewhere private.
A simpler activity to do on your own or with someone you trust. You do not need to sign in.
Do you like music, making things, computers or working outdoors?
You could make a poster, take a photo or create a sample product.
Show your sample to someone you trust. Ask what they think.
What would you spend? How much would someone pay? Would money be left after costs?
Talk to your Personal Adviser, a mentor or one of the free organisations below.
These are independent organisations and trusted sources. Listing them does not mean they are formal Nexsteps partners. Check each organisation's current eligibility and availability before applying.
Entrepreneurship and mentoring for eligible young people aged 16–25 who have faced adversity, including care experience.
Explore the programme ↗Free business guidance and mentoring for eligible young people aged 18–30, with opportunities to apply for start-up support.
Explore Enterprise ↗Free business resources, research and support at Liverpool Central Library.
Explore the centre ↗Official information on registering for Self Assessment and understanding how self-employment works.
Read the guidance ↗Understand what to report, how earnings are assessed and how claiming benefits may be affected.
Read the guidance ↗Ask your Personal Adviser about your Pathway Plan, local offer, enterprise support, training and any practical assistance.
Contact Nexsteps for resource enquiries ↗You can explore ideas, build skills and get mentoring now. Before offering paid services, check age-related work rules, contracts, permissions, insurance and local requirements with a trusted adult or appropriate adviser. Some funding schemes and platforms are only available from age 18.
Do not put pressure on yourself to start earning before you are ready.
Before trading, find out about start-up costs, business registration, tax, insurance, benefits and safe working arrangements. Ask your Personal Adviser whether business activity affects your support or Pathway Plan.
There is no single grant everyone receives. Funding depends on the scheme and your circumstances.
Sales are the money customers pay. Costs include materials, travel, insurance and fees. Profit is the amount left after all business costs. You may still have tax or other responsibilities.
It might. If you get Universal Credit or other support, ask a qualified benefits adviser about reporting self-employed earnings and what the rules mean for your circumstances. Do this before making financial commitments.
Not always. It depends on how you operate and how much you earn. GOV.UK explains when sole traders need to register for Self Assessment. Get advice if you are unsure.
Different businesses have different requirements. Food, cosmetics, electrical work, working with children, handling chemicals and some other activities may need extra checks, permissions or insurance. Get specific advice before starting.
The Enterprise Hub is part of Nexsteps My Life. My Future. My Way. You could also explore your goals through the Life Map, practise money skills or talk to your Personal Adviser about an enterprise goal.
The Enterprise Hub is free for young people. We're seeking founding sponsors to help fund practical enterprise workshops, accessible materials and mentoring opportunities alongside this online resource.
Sponsorship enquiries are for businesses and community partners, not young people using the Hub.