Every fortnight, in an exclusive blog for the network, one of the UK's most recognised businessmen will give a taste of what it's really like to start an SME in challenging times
When you're an SME that's starting and growing, everything that can go wrong, will generally go wrong. I've learned this over the years, which is why in addition to my own journey and experience, I want to share with you the stories of how other entrepreneurs have overcome similar hurdles. I want to create a forum of entrepreneur-led solutions to common challenges facing us all.
As I write my first piece for the Guardian Small Business Network, I've been informed that we have just funded our thousandth business under Start-Up Loans, a government-backed initiative of which I am chair.
Since leaving Dragons' Den, I have been absorbed in my own business - starting, acquiring, growing, and selling companies, mainly in the professional services industry. But since last year, when the government asked me to build the Start-Up Loans Company, I have become obsessed with throwing myself back into the seat of a startup entrepreneur.
With a budget of £112m to fund to more than 20,000 startups and offer business mentoring for the next three years, we have to be able to deliver the funding and sell the proposition of enterprise nationally as a viable career option for young people.
What a lot of people don't realise is the Start-Up Loans Company itself is a startup. We are going through the same journey as each of our 1,000 entrepreneurs, facing the trials and tribulations that come with being an SME in this country. The rollercoaster ride of success and overcoming challenges is enthralling and exciting but more than anything, it is exceptionally rewarding.
I'd be really keen to hear your feedback on the topics, the comments, the stories and also your own journey as an entrepreneur. I'm excited at the prospect of forming a solid network of entrepreneurs mentoring each other from their own experience and being a part of the Guardian Small Business Network.
James Caan is chairman of the Start-Up Loans Company
Each fortnight James will be tackling a different business issue - keep up to date by visiting the network and signing up to our weekly newsletter. We'd welcome your suggestions for future topics and questions for James regarding your own business - please share them in the comments thread below
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