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Guidance supporting Europe’s aspiring entrepreneurs
Policy and practice to harness future potential

5.2. Information, advice, coaching and training

Both prospective and novice entrepreneurs can benefit from expert information
and advice on the early stages of their entrepreneurial careers. Information and
advice is typically provided by:
• chambers of commerce and associations representing entrepreneurs/SMEs;
• public employment services (PES);
• business support networks (such as Business Link in the UK, Nyföretag
network in Sweden, etc.);
• online services.
Business advisers are usually employed by such service providers to offer
information, business support and contacts. Business advisors are not business
coaches or mentors, but instead help prospective and new entrepreneurs to
identify their needs and challenges, and then introduce them to other individuals
or organisations who can help them further (Thompson and Downing, 2006).
Fundamentally they have a brokerage function and their services can be offered
through one-to-one tuition, group advice and large seminars (Johnson et al.,
2008). Primarily, general advice is provided free of charge, especially for aspiring
and new entrepreneurs, while there can be a charge for specialist services. In
some cases (e.g. in the context of associations of entrepreneurs), business
support may be only available for members.
Individuals providing information, advice and business support hold a range
of qualifications and their expertise varies greatly from one individual to another.
Some are trained guidance counsellors but most are recruited to such posts due
to the business experience they possess.

5.2.1. Chambers and associations of entrepreneurs
Many chambers of commerce and associations representing entrepreneurs
employ advisers whose role is to support entrepreneurs with the questions
relating to their business. Typically advice focuses on financial, regulatory and
training challenges. Advisers also help entrepreneurs with networking and
signposting to specialist advisers when necessary.

5.2.2. Public employment services
Public employment services (PES) in the Member States offer different levels of
support and guidance to individuals who aspire to set up their own business. The
type and depth of support and guidance provided depends on the PES service
delivery models and whether aspiring entrepreneurs are considered as core
clientele. Some PES provide separate services such as training, written

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