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How to Start a Business in Shropshire

If you are thinking about starting a business in Shropshire or would like to grow your existing business, we would love to help you.

Start Your Own Business in Shropshire contains resources and the information that will help give your venture the best chance of success. It also highlights organisations who offer friendly advice and the services that you are likely to need as a new startup or local business owner.

Grants | Networking groups | Business advice | Mentoring | Co-working spaces

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Shropshire but where can it be found?

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Grants

Are you the provider start-ups in Shropshire are looking for?

This category is currently open.

Be the first local business to claim it, and your logo, details and link will appear here - before your competitors even know local start-ups in Shropshire are searching.

We only ever recommend one partner per classification per area. Claim yours for only £10 per year, or add a free listing instead.

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Local partners

Local people are starting businesses right now, and many have not yet chosen an accountant, bookkeeper, designer, web designer, premises, funding, business adviser or provider for anything else they need.

Be the one they find first - we only ever recommend one partner per trade, per area, for just £10 per year. Find out more

These local businesses have already claimed their exclusive spot and are keen to help local start-ups:

If you're considering starting a business or already running one in Shropshire, this section is designed to provide you with valuable information and resources to support your entrepreneurial journey.

Shropshire, located in the West Midlands region of England, is known for its picturesque countryside, rich history, and vibrant market towns.

Demographics of Shropshire

Shropshire has a diverse population of approximately 500,000 residents, offering a mix of rural and urban communities. The county boasts a strong sense of community and a supportive environment for businesses.

Major Towns and Cities in Shropshire

Shrewsbury : Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire and has a population of over 70,000 residents. The town features a blend of historic architecture, independent shops, and a bustling market, making it an attractive location for businesses.
Telford : Telford is a vibrant town in Shropshire, with a population of approximately 170,000 residents. It offers modern infrastructure, business parks, and a range of retail and leisure facilities, making it an ideal place for business growth.
Oswestry : Oswestry is a historic market town situated in the north of Shropshire. With a population of around 18,000 residents, it boasts a rich heritage, charming streets, and a thriving local business community.

Local Authorities in Shropshire

Local authorities can help you understand the business landscape and provide access to useful resources. They are responsible for numerous business related subjects such as health & safety, planning, business rates, and often have a department dedicated to economic development.

Shropshire Council : Shropshire Council is the local authority responsible for a range of services in the county. Their website provides information on business rates, planning and development, licensing, and community initiatives.

Business Support Organisations in Shropshire

In addition to the local authority, Shropshire offers access to various business support organisations that can provide valuable guidance and resources. Consider exploring the following organisation:

Shropshire Business : Shropshire Business is an initiative that aims to support businesses in the county. Their website offers information on funding opportunities, business advice, training programs, and networking events.

We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business in Shropshire. Exploring the website of Shropshire Council and Shropshire Business will provide you with further information, guidance, and assistance. Best of luck with your entrepreneurial endeavours in Shropshire!

Free Startup Guide

Download the 2026 edition of our Free Start Your Own Business guide

An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered in an easy-to-read way with links to useful online articles and relevant contacts.

The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?

However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don't become one of them.

This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English.

There is also plenty of help available in the area and much of it is free - please do make the most of it.

Key Contacts in Shropshire

'You don't know what you don't know' is a phrase that is so applicable to starting a new business.

Shropshire is a great place for start-ups but your chances of success are dramatically improved if you make the most of the support that is available locally. Click on logos to visit their websites.

Networking

Severn Business Network

Business networking in Shropshire. We're a group of individuals representing local businesses throughout Shrewsbury, Telford and Shropshire. While we're all seriously-minded about our businesses, and members of this group primarily to generate opportunities, we're also a perfectly normal bunch who enjoy each others company in a social environment too - often taking part in some great fund raising events or just heading out for a jolly!

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Networking

Shropshire Chamber

Dedicated to sharing opportunities, knowledge and expertise, Shropshire Chamber is a dynamic member-led organisation that is firmly committed to positively impacting the local economy, and supports a network of more than 750 county-based businesses, strengthening their position in the region, ensuring their voices are heard, and providing useful connections and valuable access to new ideas and innovations. Telford: Trevithick House, Stafford Park 4, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 3BA.Shrewsbury: Chamber House, 5 Henry Close, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 3TJ

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Advice

Enterprise Telford

Telford offers businesses fast, responsive and bespoke solutions to help you achieve your business goals. With high quality, ready-to-go land thats cost effective in a central location; multi-million pound investment in infrastructure, workforce and tailored business support its an unrivaled place for doing business.

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Web design

Stretton Internet

Stretton Internet is an established web design company that offers a range of affordable web design services to any individual, organisation or business. Our reputation has been built by consistently producing sites that are attractive, excellent from a technical perspective and affordable for individuals, organisations and businesses. We will produce an effective website design package that is ideal for you. Whether you are an individual needing a basic website of a few pages, or a business requiring an effective marketing tool, Stretton Internet has the experience to deliver, on time and on budget.

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Funding

Invest Shropshire

How can you access funding? In Shropshire we have a proactive approach to helping companies secure the right finance for their business. We would be delighted to hear from you so why not get in touch?Our team can offer a whole range of advice ranging from finance, to premises and from networking to education. Whatever the query, our dedicated team will try and help. You can get in touch either by calling us on +44 (0)1743 257777 or email us at invest@shropshire.gov.uk.

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Advice

Shropshire Council - Business support

Shropshire Council's website contains a section dedicated to helping local business whether you are trading already or starting up. It includes links to the services that they provide but also other useful business support organisations in the county.

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Advice

FSB

Federation of Small Businesses are experts in business. Formed in 1974, we are a non-profit making and non-political organisation whose member base covers the length and breadth of the UK. Our aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. We realise this aim by offering our members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and powerful voice in government, influencing the decisions that affect their businesses.

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Marketing

Shropshire Business

Shropshire Business might be a great place to raise awareness of your new business. It is an editorially-led magazine and they are keen to hear from you, though 'the inclusion or articles or comment columns cannot be guaranteed and is always at the Editors discretion'!

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Advice

Good2Great

Free Start Up Support in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. Free Start Up Masterclass - Your best first step...Small groups of likeminded people working togetherExperienced personal coaches to help you get startedNew intake every week start whenever youre readyFlexibility (Choose from Monday Evening, Wednesday or Saturday mornings)Open to any residents of Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin who want to start a businessFunded by Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

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Advice

Marches Growth Hub

Offering face-to-face advice on business grants, loans and support available for Shropshire businesses regardless of size or sector, from pre-start to established businesses. The Marches Growth Hub, Shropshire is located at Battlefield Enterprise Park providing easy access to the M54/A49 with free car parking on-site. We are offering FREE virtual one-to-one business support meetings by appointment.You can contact the team by phone or email Monday to Friday between 10.00 16.00. Businesses based in the Shropshire Council area can access free online one-to-one sessions with our team of business specialists.

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Networking

FSB Shropshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire

FSB Shropshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire is the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). It was formed in 1974 as the National Federation of Self Employed and represents the interests of small and medium-sized businesses locally and nationally. They offer a great package tailored to your needs if you are thinking about starting a business in the area. Contact: Angela Fitch Development Manager Angela.Fitch@fsb.org.uk

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Networking

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce

As dynamic, enthusiastic and passionate business professionals we are proud to be recognised as exemplars of excellence. We work in collaboration to support and empower each other and our business community, and are firmly committed to positively impacting our local economy. Patrons are - and will remain - a true Showcase for Shropshire. Address: Trevithick House, Stafford Park 4, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 3BA

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Advice

Shropshire Business Board

The Shropshire Business Board is a business-led, joint private and public sector Board. Its main purpose is to be responsible with Shropshire Council and partners for the joint delivery of the new Shropshire Economic Growth Strategy and to act as ambassadors for the County. The Board also provides challenge to the Council and will bring the voice of all businesses across Shropshire to the table to assist the Council to be as business friendly as possible.

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Start-up articles

100's of free startup articles

We have created a collection of 100s of startup articles to help anyone with whatever stage they are on with their business journey. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone before you and we can learn from what they got right and avoid the things that have been proved not to work so well.

You can see the full list of 'articles' at: How to start a business