A ‘New Year, New Start, New Opportunities’ campaign has launched to encourage individuals in Worcestershire to embrace the new year and follow their passions by starting a business.
The Enterprising Worcestershire 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 Worcestershire 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 Worcestershire 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 Worcestershire 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 Worcestershire 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 Worcestershire County Council, the District Councils and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
For more information, please visit the dedicated pages on the County Council website.
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