The government has launched a new website offering advice to small businesses.

The Business Link service provides a database of 2,500 government-funded grants and loans available to small businesses, along with a training directory of over 500,000 courses.

The website will also help entrepreneurs identify which regulations apply to them and what to do about them, and will offer tips on how to best manage payroll and human resources.

"We've listened to business when they've told us what would make their dealings with government easier," said trade secretary Patricia Hewitt.

"And we've been able to deliver a website that is relevant to these needs.  Whether it's help with starting up, improving your staff's skills or working out which regulations apply to your firm, businesslink.gov.uk should be the first stop online if you don't know where to go or what is available.

"The website also provides firm with an ideal opportunity to access the new set of 10 business support products that the DTI is rolling out."

The move was welcomed by Clive Lewis of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales.

"We believe that the development of businesslink.gov.uk will significantly enhance the ability of our members, particularly those in SMEs, to access essential information on regulation, business support and government grants," he said.

"We will continue to assist the government with this vital development."