More and more graduates are now setting up a business after leaving university.

Sometimes this involves setting up alone; in other cases, a group of graduates will get together and form a partnership.

Often the best way of beginning a new business is to start it up in your spare time, whilst you are in employment elsewhere: this can help to lower the financial risk, while giving you a chance to gain some broader business experience.

Looking for help and advice?

If you’re a graduate aged 18-30 and live in Kent, Kent Foundation offer free help to get your business started up. They offer:

• Advice and business support to turn your ideas into reality,
• Test trading grants
• Advertising and promotional opportunities
• A mentoring service
• Networking and links with other business agencies

Interested? See www.kentfoundation.org or email kentfoundation@kent.gov.uk

Grads like you…

Antony, Rishi and Pritesh are graduates from the University of Kent,. They set up their own business in 2009 after receiving help from the Kent Foundation. The business, ‘FatMoose’ was inspired by their own experience of trying to find takeaway food quickly. Their website, www.fatmoose.com now brings together all of the menus from restaurants and takeaways across Canterbury, together with special offers and discounts.

Read more about FatMoose over at the Kent Foundation's website.

Want to read more about setting up your own business?

We recommend having a look at Prospects' guide to self-employment.