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How to Start a Business in South-Yorkshire

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

Start Your Own Business in South-Yorkshire 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 South-Yorkshire but where can it be found?

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Grants

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

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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 South Yorkshire, this section is designed to provide you with valuable information and resources to support your entrepreneurial journey.

South Yorkshire, located in the Yorkshire and the Humber region of England, is known for its industrial heritage, vibrant cities, and beautiful countryside.

Demographics of South Yorkshire

South Yorkshire has a diverse population of approximately 1.4 million residents, offering a mix of urban and rural communities. The region is home to several major towns and cities, each with its unique characteristics and business opportunities.

Major Towns and Cities in South Yorkshire

Sheffield : Sheffield is the largest city in South Yorkshire, with a population of over 580,000 residents. Known for its steel industry heritage, Sheffield has transformed into a vibrant cultural and economic hub, offering opportunities in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, creative industries, and technology.
Rotherham : Rotherham is a town in South Yorkshire with a population of approximately 260,000 residents. The town has a rich industrial heritage and is experiencing significant regeneration, making it an attractive location for businesses in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy.
Doncaster : Doncaster is a market town in South Yorkshire with a population of around 310,000 residents. The town has excellent transport links and is known for its logistics and distribution sector. It also offers opportunities in sectors such as aerospace, advanced engineering, and digital industries.
Barnsley : Barnsley is a town in South Yorkshire with a population of approximately 250,000 residents. The town has a strong manufacturing heritage and offers opportunities in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and digital technologies.

Local Authorities in South Yorkshire

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.

Sheffield City Council : Sheffield City Council is the local authority responsible for a range of services in Sheffield. Their website provides information on business rates, planning and development, licensing, and community initiatives.
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council : Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council covers the Rotherham area. Visit their website for local business support, planning permission, and community services.
Doncaster Council : Doncaster Council serves the Doncaster area. Their website provides information on business rates, licensing, planning, and economic development.
Barnsley Council : Barnsley Council is the local authority responsible for Barnsley. Visit their website for information on business support, planning and development, licensing, and community services.

Business Support Organisations in South Yorkshire

South Yorkshire offers access to various business support organisations that can provide valuable guidance and resources. Consider exploring the following organisations:

Enterprising Barnsley : Enterprising Barnsley is a business support service that offers advice, workshops, and funding opportunities for businesses in Barnsley. Their website provides information on available support programs and events.
Sheffield City Region Growth Hub : The Sheffield City Region Growth Hub provides support for businesses across Sheffield and the wider region. Their website offers information on funding, training, networking, and business advisory services.
Business Doncaster : Business Doncaster is a business support service that offers guidance, networking events, and access to funding opportunities. Visit their website for information on business support programs and initiatives.
RiDO Business Growth : RiDO (Rotherham Investment and Development Office) offers business support services, including access to office spaces, networking events, and funding opportunities. Their website provides details on available support programs.

We hope this comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for starting or running a business in South Yorkshire. Exploring the websites of Sheffield City Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Doncaster Council, Barnsley Council, Enterprising Barnsley, Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, Business Doncaster, and RiDO Business Growth will provide you with further information, guidance, and assistance. Best of luck with your entrepreneurial endeavours in South Yorkshire!

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 South-Yorkshire

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

South-Yorkshire 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.

Funding

Commercial Finance Partnership

Access to Business Finance: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans, Commercial Mortgage, Revolving Credit, Invoice Discounting, Recovery Loan Scheme. Asset finance: Hire Purchase, Leasing, New Purchase, Refinance, Capital Raising, Recovery Loan Scheme. With over 130 years of COMBINED EXPERIENCE, we have the know-how you need.

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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