SureStart
About SureStart
We believe anyone with a good idea and the will to work at it should be able to start a business, whatever their background.
Why we exist
Too many people never start the business they talk about. Not because the idea is bad, but because nobody showed them how to price a product, register with HMRC, open a business bank account or apply for a start-up loan. The information is out there, but it’s scattered, full of jargon and often assumes money and contacts you don’t have.
SureStart exists to close that gap. We give people practical, free, human support at the moment they most need it: right at the beginning.
Our approach
Practical, free and judgement-free
We don’t run pitch competitions or pick winners. We help ordinary people start ordinary, sustainable businesses.
Learn by doing
Our workshops are built around your idea, not a textbook. You leave each session with something done: a price list, a cash-flow sheet, a registration.
Mentors who’ve done it
Every mentor is a volunteer who has started and run a business themselves, and who gives their time because someone once helped them.
Open to everyone
We work with people of every age and background, including those facing barriers such as disability, caring responsibilities, low income or a criminal record.
How we’re run
SureStart is a UK charity governed by a board of trustees. Our accounts and governing document will be published here once available.
- Trustees: Rohit Bajaj, Tushar Mahajan and Pradeep Shukla
- Registered address: 69 Guildford Road, Bagshot, England, GU19 5NS
Our funding
We are funded by donations from individuals, grants from trusts and foundations, and support from local businesses. We never charge the people we help.
Our trustees
Meet the people behind SureStart
Our trustees oversee how the charity is run, and each of them also mentors new founders.
Rohit Bajaj
Trustee and Mentor
Rohit brings extensive experience across hospitality and the financial sector, having worked with some of the biggest hospitality brands as well as in financial services. He has led large teams and projects, bringing together people, resources and priorities to deliver results.
As a hands-on mentor, Rohit draws on his understanding of business operations, financial planning and managing teams to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop their ideas and make informed decisions. He offers a practical perspective on the challenges of starting and growing a sustainable business.
Alongside mentoring, Rohit helps shape SureStart’s direction and development as a trustee, drawing on his commercial, financial and leadership experience to strengthen its support for new founders and help ensure its resources are used effectively.
Tushar Mahajan
Trustee and Mentor
Tushar is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience across textiles, pharmaceuticals, finance, automotive, construction and property development. His work across India and the UK has given him a broad understanding of building businesses, navigating challenging circumstances and finding practical, creative solutions.
Ambitious, driven and hardworking, Tushar is known for his determination and refusal to give up when faced with obstacles. As a hands-on mentor, he shares his entrepreneurial experience to help aspiring business owners turn ideas into action, overcome setbacks and approach challenges with confidence and adaptability.
Alongside mentoring, Tushar brings entrepreneurial insight and energy to SureStart’s development as a trustee, helping shape practical support that gives new founders the tools and encouragement to build sustainable businesses.
Pradeep Shukla
Trustee and Mentor
Pradeep brings experience in technology consulting and developing practical solutions to business challenges, including work with one of the UK’s largest banking groups. His career has involved translating business needs into effective systems, combining technical expertise with an analytical approach to solving problems.
Passionate about entrepreneurship, Pradeep takes an active role in SureStart as both a trustee and a hands-on mentor. He shares his skills, knowledge and resources to help aspiring business owners develop their ideas, make informed decisions and build confidence.
Alongside mentoring, Pradeep supports the charity’s development and strengthens its practical support for new founders. His approach reflects SureStart’s belief that accessible guidance and encouragement can help people turn their ambitions into sustainable businesses.
Want to know more?
We’re always happy to talk to potential partners, funders, volunteers and journalists.