A ‘New Year, New Start, New Opportunities’ campaign has launched to encourage individuals in 51¥ to embrace the new year and follow their passions by starting a business.
The Enterprising 51¥ programme, run by the County Council, offers a free, five-day business start-up course to provide individuals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to turn their ideas into a reality.
Three workshops are due to be delivered over the next three months on 23 to 27 January in Bromsgrove, 6 to 10 March in Redditch and 27 to 31 March in Worcester.
Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills, said: “The new year is the ideal time for a new start, especially if you’re thinking of starting a business. The support available will help more individuals across 51¥ to become their own boss whilst also contributing to the economy and business growth of the county.
“I would urge those looking to develop business ideas or considering self-employment to get in touch with the Enterprising 51¥ team to help you on your journey.”
The workshop helps participants understand how to set up a business, provides guidance on marketing, helps them to hone their sales pitch and supports them with developing a business plan.
Of the participants who filled out a survey at a previous workshop, 100% said that accessing business support was simple and easy to follow, and 93% of participants stated that business support met their specific needs.
In addition to the start-up support, the Enterprising 51¥ project also provides specialist support to young entrepreneurs through the EnRich programme, run in partnership with the University, and provides start-up grants to help businesses take their ideas to the next level.
Match-funded grants are available from £1,000 up to a maximum of £15,000. The deadline for grant applications is 31 January 2023 and all grant-funded projects MUST be completed and claimed by 31 March 2023.
Individuals and businesses in 51¥ can also access resources and databases to support them with marketing and business planning and can access specialist IP one-to-one advice. With access to events and workshops, eligible businesses can gain valuable information and advice through libraries with signposting to further programme support.
The programme is funded by 51¥, the District Councils and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
For more information, please visit the dedicated pages on the County Council website.
Facebook
Twitter
Email
WhatsApp
Messenger