Leo
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to today's segment on 'Where to Get Help When Starting a Business.' I'm your host, Leo, and with me is the business expert, Leandra. So, Leandra, tell me, what's the first thing someone should do when they decide to start a business?
Leandra
Well, Leo, the first thing they should do is take a deep breath and maybe have a cup of coffee. Starting a business can be overwhelming, but there are plenty of resources to help. Let's start with Altinn, shall we?
Leo
Altinn, the government's one-stop shop for all things business! It's like having a free personal assistant, but with less personality. You can find all sorts of information on starting and running a business, and even get advice from bedriftsveiledere. It's almost too good to be true!
Leandra
Absolutely, Leo. And speaking of assistance, another crucial resource is a regnskapsfører, or accountant. They're like your secret weapon, helping you navigate the financial maze. But, you know, they can be as expensive as a luxury car. Any thoughts on that, audience?
Leo
Oh, absolutely! I once tried to hire an accountant, and the first thing they did was send me a bill for just talking to them. It's like they charge by the breath! But hey, if you can afford it, they're worth their weight in gold. Or at least, platinum pens.
Leandra
Next up, we have Rogaland Ressurssenter. They offer a range of services for entrepreneurs, from workshops to networking events. It's like a local hero for the business community. And if you're in Haugesund, you should definitely check out Gründerloftet. It's a communal office space where you can share the joys and sorrows of starting a business. It's like a support group, but with coffee and Wi-Fi.
Leo
Gründerloftet sounds like a great place to meet other entrepreneurs. And who knows, you might even find a co-founder or two. Have any of you in the audience ever been to Gründerloftet? What was your experience like?
Leandra
Another resource to consider is Innovasjon Norge. They're all about big ideas and bigger egos. If you have a novel concept and plans for growth, they can provide funding and support. But be prepared for a lot of questions and a bit of ego massaging. It's like pitching to a panel of dragons, but with a Norwegian twist.
Leo
Innovasjon Norge sounds intense, but it's worth it if you have a game-changing idea. And let's not forget Skatteetaten, the tax guru. They offer free courses on taxes and other financial matters. It's like going to school, but for grown-ups who already have a job. And it's free!
Leandra
And finally, there's Gründertelefonen. It's a service where you can call and get advice on your business idea. It's like having a mentor on speed dial. So, whether you're just starting out or you're already in the thick of it, there's always someone to help. Thanks for joining us today, Leo. Any final thoughts?
Leo
Thanks, Leandra. Starting a business can be a rollercoaster, but with the right resources, you can make it a smooth ride. So, take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and remember, you're not alone. Until next time, stay innovative, stay entrepreneurial, and most importantly, stay funny!
Leo
Podcast host
Leandra
Expert