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Programmes offering support for individuals with mental health problems to run their own businesses are still rare, yet self‐employment could be an ideal approach for many people. In this issue we offer profiles of two pan‐disability agencies providing support for individuals to move towards self‐employment and entrepreneurship. Business Ability is a multi‐agency project operating in the south east, offering comprehensive packages of support tailored to each individual's need. East Lancs Into Employment, a charity based in Burnley, also offers a range of support for self‐employment, but with different components. Both agencies are working successfully with individuals with mental health problems and business survival rates are good. Usefully, these agencies have been able to identify critical success factors for working with this group, which may be of particular interest to A Life in the Day readers. We conclude with a book review.