FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Benefits and Job Search

Costs and Financial Help

Expectations and Timescales

Confidence to Succeed

Running a Business

Getting a Business Bank Account

Benefits and Job Search

  • Do I have to repay my benefits if I am successful?

    No.

  • Do I still have to do job search?

    During stages 1 and 2 of the programme you may have to continue job search as you are not on the training programme until stage 3.

  • Do I still have to sign on?

    Only during stage 1 and stage 2. Once you are test trading your business with InBiz you do not have to sign on at the job centre each week.

  • Will I stay on benefits during the three stage programme?

    If you are currently on benefits you may be entitled to keep them. You may also receive a training allowance in addition.

Back to top

Costs and Financial Help

  • How much does it cost?

    If you are unemployed the service is free. Your job centre adviser will tell you if you are eligible for the programme. For information on help available please contact our Client Service Centre on 08000 321001.

  • What about child care provision when I am on the programme?

    If you are eligible and use a registered child minder you can apply for child care payments. We endeavour to arrange our programmes to suit you and your family's needs.

  • What funding is available to help with my business idea?

    Funding may be available in your area and this could be in the form of a grant or loan. We have local contacts with all the funding organisations. Contact your local InBiz office for more information.

  • What support is available after Stage 3 both for advice and financially, for instance tax credits, housing benefits, back to work bonus?

    Your personal business adviser will have all the forms necessary and will help you complete and send to the various departments. Appointments will be made for those who require specialist advice. InBiz undertake to support you through all the stages of the training and for the life of your business.

Back to top

Expectations and Timescales

  • Can I work part-time as well as developing my business idea?

    This depends on individual circumstances and will be discussed with your personal business adviser and JCP adviser.

  • Do I have to do Stage 2 in a group?

    No - stage 2 can be delivered on a one to one basis. However if you attend stage 2 in a group it gives you the chance to network with other people that are in the same situation as yourself.

  • How often do I have to attend reviews and what happens if I can't make it because of work commitments?

    While on stage 3 you must attend once a week for the first four weeks and once a fortnight after that. You can rearrange an appointment as long as you give your personal business adviser sufficient notice.

  • What is expected while I'm on the programme?

    You will be required to do a minimum of 30 hours of business activity each week and weekly timesheets are needed to evidence your commitment. You will also be expected to attend regular review meetings with your Business Adviser.

  • What is the timescale through the programme; especially between stages 2 and 3 (can I leave early if I am successful in stage 3)?

    You can complete stage 1 and stage 2 within 60 days. You have the opportunity to test trade on stage 3 for up to 26 weeks, however you can leave the programme at any time.

Back to top

Confidence to Succeed

  • Can I bring someone with me?

    Yes you can bring somebody with you at all stages of the programme.

  • How do I overcome my fear of approaching people for business?

    As you work through the stages your confidence will grow. Your business adviser may suggest activities that will help you overcome your fears.

  • What happens if I fail?

    Around 85% of clients who complete stage 3 are still trading or in employment after 2 years. But if you do not succeed, you will return to the job centre as before, however you will have gained considerable skills and knowledge which you can use in your future career.

  • Will I have enough confidence to succeed?

    Your personal business adviser is there to support, guide and advise you at every step. Your confidence will grow as you gain the skills and knowledge to be successful.

Back to top

Running a Business

  • How do I carry out market research?

    There are various ways to carry out market research and the choice depends largely on your business idea. During the training programme your personal business adviser will suggest the most appropriate form of market research.

  • How will I ever be able to do book-keeping?

    Do not worry about book-keeping. This is discussed and explained on the 2nd stage of the self employment programme. While you are on stage 3 your business adviser will show you a simple form of book-keeping and will go through your books at every meeting until you are confident with how to do it.

  • Is my business idea good enough?

    Stage 1 is an informal meeting where you can discuss your business idea in detail with a qualified business adviser. Your business adviser will be honest in their appraisal of your idea and all InBiz advisers have a wealth of experience and qualifications to help you develop your business.

  • What is the position regarding registering with the Inland Revenue and paying tax and national insurance?

    Tax, Inland Revenue and NI information is given and discussed at length on stage 2. As the information required is personal, advice on when YOU register with the Inland Revenue will be discussed with your personal business adviser.

  • Why do I need a business plan and cash flow forecast?

    Every business needs a business plan and cash flow forecast to formalise ideas. The plan will give you targets to work towards. Also if you require funding the funding provider will require details on how and why you require financial assistance and confirmation that the funding is being used to its best advantage. A business plan will be produced in stage 2 and developed in stage 3 with the help and assistance of your personal business adviser.

Back to top

Getting a Business Bank Account

  • How will I be able to get a business bank account?

    InBiz has built up relationships with many of the banks and your personal business adviser will assist you in opening your business bank account.

  • What about my past poor credit history?

    Each client is individual and their needs are very different. Your personal business adviser will be able to advise you on which bank will be able to best relate to your personal situation.

  • Why can’t I hold the cheque book or have a debit card?

    While claiming benefit you cannot earn money for personal use. InBiz is responsible for ensuring that money drawn from the business account is for business purpose only. This also ensures you are not penalised by having your benefits affected.

  • Why do I need a joint signatory account?

    InBiz has to ensure that any money earned while on the programme is paid in to a business bank account and any money drawn from the account is for the use of business expenses only. By being a joint signatory on client accounts we can monitor the cash flow and success of the business.

Back to top