Application forms are issued by the Council’s Business Gateway service after an initial discussion to confirm your suitability. The application form will ask for details about yourself and your business, including:
- start date and legal structure
- your products or services, key markets and customers, your main competitors and your skills and experience
- current and projected turnover and number of employees
- an outline of what type of expert help you are looking for and how you hope your business will benefit
- your Council Tax reference number (for your home address)
- your non-domestic rates number (if you have business premises)
- details of any public sector support your business has received in the last 3 calendar years
You will also be required to provide the following supporting information with your application form
- a copy of your latest accounts, or if sole trader, your Self-Assessment tax return relating to your self-employment.
- a copy of your latest management accounts or a Profit and Loss statement, no more than 3 months old. You can download a Profit & Loss template to use and a Business Gateway adviser can offer guidance on how to complete it.
- a cash-flow forecast for the next 12 months for your business. You can download a cash-flow forecast template to use and a Business Gateway adviser can offer guidance on how to complete it.
- a copy of either your company’s Certificate of Incorporation, VAT Registration or letter from HMRC confirming your UTR number (Unique Tax Reference).
- a copy of photographic ID confirming your name (either your passport or driving licence).
- if you are not a UK national, evidence of your right to work in the UK and access public funds.
