Introducing Enterprise Nation: A vibrant community of small businesses and business advisers

Enterprise Nation is a membership organisation that small business owners can join for free. We’ll be organising a range of webinars and podcasts with them over the year. Here, Charlie Gilbert, content manager at Enterprise Nation, shares the wealth of resources they offer to Starling business customers.

Loads of us have stared out of the window, dreaming of starting our own business. And while it can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do, it can also be pretty scary.

There’s pressure to be an expert on everything from accounting to marketing. There’s often no one to bounce ideas off. There’s also knowing how and where to spend your money – while still being able to pay the bills.

Enterprise Nation exists to provide small business owners – and people thinking about launching a start-up – the support they need to become a successful entrepreneur. We do this in four ways:

1. The support of a thriving community

Enterprise Nation members become part of a thriving community that comes together in myriad ways, from our dynamic platform to our hundreds of events and groups. You’ll meet people in the same position as you. You’ll be inspired by their stories. They may be able to help you. You may be able to help them.

2. Access to trusted small business advisers

Every day, we match small business owners to advisers who offer the precise practical support they need. This can take virtually any form, from bookkeeping to full-blown marketing strategies. All members benefit from free discovery calls with potential advisers, to help them make the right choice and to map out potential projects.

3. Hundreds of events every year

We host hundreds of events every year – from daily lunch and learn sessions to industry-specific bootcamps and flagship entrepreneurship festivals. Each one equips our members with specific take-away-and-action-now advice and powerful new connections, not to mention inspiration.

This year, we’ll be co-hosting a series of webinars with Starling, who as well as supporting our Small Business Sessions Podcast will also appear on several episodes. Keep an eye on our social channels for more information soon.

4. National campaigns

We partner with some of the world’s biggest companies – Amazon, Google and Uber to name but three – to deliver campaigns that offer practical support for small businesses, from dedicated e-learning programmes to grant initiatives.

We also work closely with the UK government on ensuring that small business voices are heard at the highest level.

How can we help Starling customers?

We’ll complement the financial support you’re already receiving from Starling by:

• Giving you access to the resources you need to upskill

• Connecting you to experts who can help with any specific challenges

• Facilitating meaningful connections with fellow founders in your position

You’ll also have the opportunity to be profiled in front of our tens of thousands of members – and our wider network of partners. We love hearing stories from our community, which we regularly publish across our blog, newsletters and social media channels. We occasionally feature member stories in the national press, too.

Membership of Enterprise Nation is completely free. Join a vibrant community of small businesses and business advisers by signing up today.