Cumbria Business Growth Hub has today announced a series of free-to-attend events set to take place during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), which runs from Monday 18th November to Friday 22nd November 2024.
GEW is celebrated each year in November and aims to inspire and empower entrepreneurs around the world through a range of events and competitions.
Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Support says, “This year the Growth Hub aims to build upon the success of previous years by holding a range of expert-led webinars, workshops, and in-person networking opportunities aimed at entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses within Cumbria.
With topics spanning everything from financing and benefits guidance to digital marketing strategies and tax planning, the lineup offers something for everyone looking to establish or expand their business. “
All of the events are free to attend. To book simply email: info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk.
Find out more about each event below…
Taking place on Monday 18th November…
Ignite Your New Business: An Introduction to Start-Up Loans
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Venue: Online
This free one-hour webinar led by Ashley Alletson, Business Support Manager at GC Business Finance, explores government-backed Start-Up Loans available to help new businesses thrive. Attendees will learn about eligibility criteria, the application process, and hear real-life success stories from local entrepreneurs. The session is tailored for startups and businesses trading for less than three years, offering them a unique opportunity to ask questions and receive practical guidance. GC Business Finance provides essential financing and business support for new and early-stage businesses across the UK.
How the Benefits System Supports Self-Employment
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Venue: Online
For those exploring self-employment, this session provides an overview of how the benefits system can offer support. Participants will gain clarity on what to expect when moving into self-employment, how to keep the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) updated, and what happens after the first year.
Small Budgets, Big Ideas: Unleashing Urban Marketing Strategies in Cumbria
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Venue: Online
Learn to make a big impact with a small budget! This webinar covers effective marketing tactics, brand building, social media strategies, and more. Designed to help small businesses thrive in a crowded marketplace, this session addresses the importance of planning, building brand identity, and optimizing online presence.
What’s Your Why and Who’s Your Customer
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Venue: Online
In this interactive session, participants will explore their business motivations (the “why”) and learn tools to identify their ideal customer (the “who”). This foundational clarity can enhance decision-making across the board, benefiting entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.
On Tuesday 19th November…
Meet the Entrepreneurs
Time: 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Venue: Barclays Eagle Lab, Bransty Row, Whitehaven
Join us in partnership with Barclays Eagle Lab to hear from two inspirational young entrepreneurs Georgina Goulding of Bakes by Gina and Oliver Hodgson of Platinum Live who will share their self-employment journeys. You’ll also be given a tour of the Eagle Lab facilities and Maker Space, hear more about further support available through the Chamber and Barclays Eagle Lab, network and enjoy pizza!
On Wednesday 20th November…
Drop-in Session at Carlisle BIPC
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Venue: Carlisle Library
Discover the resources at the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) in Carlisle Library with an appearance from Ben Heslop who will share insights from his own journey into self-employment.
MTD for ITA (Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment)
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Venue: Online
This informative webinar addresses Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self-Assessment. Attendees will learn about the upcoming changes, responsibilities, and benefits of early adoption. Topics include MTD’s background, responsibilities for businesses, and a look at software options available for compliance.
On Thursday 21st November…
Streamline Your Social Media Success: Time-Saving Tips for Social Media Marketing
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Venue: Online
Led by award-winning digital productivity expert Liz Hardwick, this session covers top tips and tools to streamline social media efforts, allowing entrepreneurs to save time while maximizing their online impact.
On Friday 22nd November…
Business Issues for SMEs and Micro-Entities
Time: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Venue: Online
Following the recent budget announcements, this session will explore the changes to employers’ National Insurance Contributions and the effect that this will have on employers, employees, and small business owners. We will delve into some business tax calculations to try and quantify the impact of the raised taxes and will look into maintaining tax efficient methods of extracting funds from your business.
How To Register
All events are free, but registration is required as spaces are limited. To book onto any of the events email info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk.