Setting up

You do not need to leave your job to start a business. As someone who combines employment with self-employment, you can start and grow your business at a pace that suits you while retaining the security of your employment. A few things to keep in mind:

• Check the rules and policies that apply in your workplace.
• Consider how you will balance your time between your job and your business.
• Find out how running a business may affect your finances and any benefits or allowances you receive.

Read more about being both employed and self-employed

It depends on the type of business you want to start, but there are several ways to finance a new venture. Here you can learn about different funding options, grants and support schemes, and get help planning your capital requirements. With the right knowledge, it becomes easier to build a solid foundation for your business.

Financing your start

Yes. As a business owner, you are entitled to parental benefit in the same way as an employee. The amount you receive depends on your business structure and the income or salary you draw from the business. You also have the flexibility to claim parental benefit for part of the day while working in your business for the remainder of the time.

If you are a business owner and are about to become a parent