Virgin StartUp opens free business advice line for business founders

Virgin StartUp, Virgin’s not-for-profit hub for early-stage business founders, predicts a surge in online traffic from future business founders next Friday (12th) - at the end of the first full-week back to work for many people - following a similar uplift this time last year.

The British Business Bank, which runs the Start Up Loan programme, also saw a 16 per cent increase in Start Up Loans applications in January last year and expects another bumper month this year.

Virgin StartUp is running a ‘Founder Friday’ hotline on 12 January 2024, a free business support line for anyone just starting out on their start-up journey. Budding business founders can book a 30-minute slot with an experienced business advisor to explore their business ideas and kick-start their new venture.

Andy Fishburn, managing director at Virgin StartUp comments: “The new year is a great time to jump into something new and kick-off any dreams you may have been putting off for some time. With fresh optimism for the year ahead, many budding founders will be looking to take the plunge with their business ideas this January.

“Virgin StartUp is committed to helping early-stage start-ups through every step of their start-up journey, so, we’d encourage anyone thinking of starting their own business to book a slot on our free business advice line this Founder Friday to get personalised advice for your early-stage or future business.”

Richard Bearman, managing director Small Business Lending at the British Business Bank added: “In both 2022 and 2023, January has been the month in which the programme has had the most applications submitted for a Start Up Loan. Last year, Virgin StartUp, one of our Business Support Partners to the Start Up Loans programme saw a 50 per cent increase in Start Up Loan applications during January.

“This may be reflective of aspiring entrepreneurs using the Christmas break period to assess what they really want and having an opportunity to develop their ideas and turn their aspirations into a plan.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily