If you want to turn a skill, trade or service into your own business, here’s where to begin.
Becoming self‑employed is one of the most flexible ways to work for yourself. Whether you’re offering a service, freelancing, or starting out in a trade, this page will help you understand what’s involved and how to get started with confidence.
You don’t need to have every detail figured out, just a sense of what you want to offer and who you might want to work with.
5 things to think about when becoming self employed
- What service are you offering and what makes it valuable?
Think about the skills people already rely on you for. - Who are your customers?
Local community, online clients, business customers or a mix? - How will you price your work?
Knowing your costs and the value you provide helps build a solid foundation. - What admin steps do you need to take?
Tax, bookkeeping and registering your business sound big, but we’ll guide you through it. - How will people find you?
Simple marketing, word of mouth, social media, or a basic website, can go a long way.
How Business Wales can help
We can support you every step of the way as you move into self employment:
- BOSS - our 24/7 “Business Online Support Service”
- Online workshops covering tax, bookkeeping, marketing and pricing
- Guides and templates to help you register and set up properly
- Advice on finance and funding, including start-up costs
- Digital and marketing skills to help you attract customers
- 1:1 support from a Business Wales adviser to help shape your idea
Our role is to make your next steps clearer and to help you feel confident taking them.
Entrepreneurship and Start-up
Register today and discover how we can support your startup journey
SPECIFIC CASE STUDIES
Kickboxer turned coach builds thriving fitness business Personal trainer thrives thanks to Business Wales coaching
A hobby that grew into a successful business Turning healing into enterprise: Serena Taylor’s journey from teacher to yoga studio owner
Resilient tradesman rebuilds career into thriving business Career renovation thanks to Business Wales support
Your next step
- Get started
Submit an enquiry to let us know what support you’re looking for. - Register
Provide a few details about you and your business idea to help us tailor guidance and resources for you. - Explore available resources and guidance
Once you’re registered, you’ll have access to your digital account on BOSS. You can log in at anytime to explore tools, book online workshops, and access expert guidance at your own pace. - Tailor your support
Use your BOSS account to book online workshops such as “Are you thinking of starting and running your own business?” and then arrange a follow-up appointment with one of our experienced Business Advisors.
We’re here to help you build your business, your way.
Popular Services and Topics
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Provides guidance and some options to help you develop a business idea.