Service swap shop guidelines

When you're running a small business, finding the budget for professional support can sometimes be challenging. 

That's why we've launched the Enterprise Nation Swap Shop – a dedicated space for members to exchange services and expertise, and help each other grow their ventures without the need for payment. 

Whether you're looking for help with bookkeeping, marketing, HR, design, legal support, content, SEO or another business service, the Enterprise Nation community is full of talented business owners offering a wide range of services for you to tap in to. 

Simply trade a service for a service. 

The Swap Shop will run as an initial one-month pilot from Wednesday 3 June to Wednesday 1 July 2026. 

How does it work? 

Step 1: Advertise your service 

To get the most out of the Swap Shop, we encourage everyone to create a post that advertises the service they're looking to offer. 

Your advert should include: 

  • a clear description of the service(s) you're offering and your areas of expertise 

  • examples of previous work, where relevant 

  • when you're available to start 

  • an estimated timeframe for delivery 

  • whether you're looking for one swap partner or have capacity to take on a number of swaps 

  • the type of services you'd be interested in receiving in return 

The more detail you provide, the easier it'll be for other members to determine whether you're a good match. 

Top tip: If this is your first swap, consider starting with a single project. Once you've completed a successful swap and understand how the process works, you can always post other opportunities. 

Step 2: Browse available services 

If you're looking for a particular service, use the tags and categories to browse what's available. 

For example, if you're looking for legal support, click the relevant tag to view members offering legal services. 

Once you find a service you're interested in: 

  1. read the advert carefully 

  1. contact the member directly through Enterprise Nation messaging

  1. arrange a call or meeting to discuss the project in more detail 

  1. decide whether you're a good fit for one another 

  1. agree the scope of the swap before any work begins 

Be clear about what you're offering in return, and remember that not every member will need the services you provide. 

Swap Shop Guidelines 

Keep it service-for-service 

The Swap Shop is designed for members to exchange services, not money. 

You should not request, offer or accept any payment as part of a swap arranged through this space. 

Keep swaps simple 

If possible, we recommend starting by exchanging a one-hour service. Swapping an hour of your expertise for an hour of someone else's keeps things simple, transparent and easy to manage. 

If either service is likely to need more time, both of you should discuss and agree this before work begins. 

Agree expectations upfront 

Before you start a swap with another member, both of you should agree: 

  • what work you'll deliver 

  • what each of you will provide in return 

  • expected timescales 

  • how and when you'll complete the work 

This helps avoid misunderstandings and makes sure you both have the same expectations from the outset. 

Be realistic about your availability 

Only offer work that you genuinely have the time and capacity to deliver. 

If your circumstances change, let your swap partner know as soon as possible.

Keep communication professional 

Please treat fellow members respectfully and professionally throughout the process. 

Enterprise Nation has the right to remove posts or restrict access to the Swap Shop if members behave inappropriately or misuse the space. 

After the Swap 

Once both of you have delivered the agreed work, we'll invite you to provide feedback through a short survey. 

This feedback helps us understand how the Swap Shop is performing and identify any recurring issues or concerns. We won't make your feedback public or share it with the other member unless you specifically give us permission to do so. 

If you've had a positive experience and decide you'd like to continue working with your swap partner beyond the initial swap, that's fantastic. 

However, any ongoing relationship, project or commercial arrangement is entirely between you and the other member, and not Enterprise Nation. 

Who is the Swap Shop for? 

As the name suggests, the Swap Shop is designed for business owners to exchange services. 

To take part, you should be running a service-based business and be able to offer a professional service in exchange for another member's expertise. 

The Swap Shop is not intended as a space to request free work, free consultancy or free business support without offering a service in return. 

If you're not sure whether your service is suitable for the Swap Shop, please contact Enterprise Nation before posting. 

Enterprise Nation's Role 

The Enterprise Nation Swap Shop is a platform for members to connect and arrange service exchanges with one another. 

As part of this, Enterprise Nation: 

  • provides the space for members to advertise services and connect with each other 

  • monitors the Swap Shop to help keep it relevant, professional and safe 

Enterprise Nation does not

  • broker, negotiate or manage swaps 

  • get involved in agreements between members 

  • verify the quality of services offered 

  • mediate disputes or complaints that arise from swaps 

Any swap arrangement is made solely between the members taking part, and members are responsible for deciding whether a proposed exchange is suitable for their needs. 

Questions? 

If you have any questions about the Swap Shop, please contact the community team:  

Ryan Tindall: [email protected] 

Bethany Galloway: [email protected]