For just short of 25 years Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has delivered business support activities to potential entrepreneurs and early stage start-ups. We’ve supported thousands of individuals and start-ups through various projects and funders based in Cumbria, Lancashire and Merseyside.
During our time delivering support projects we’ve provided advice, guidance and training to ideas such as hairdressing, beauty, dog walking, takeaways, retailers, DJs, photographers, painters and decorators and dog walkers to big cat hunting, artists, flushable nappies, tattoo artists, travel consultants, numerous inventors and even some of our business adviser team.
Support has been designed over the years to ensure those who start trading are given the best possible chance to start and run a thriving, sustainable and profitable business. We do this by providing the skills and knowledge needed to ensure survival during that all important first year and beyond.
A key part of our comprehensive and flexible support programme is our online four day business start up course which we’ve delivered regularly thanks to project funding. However, with this funding increasingly under pressure, we are now seeking sponsorship to help us continue delivering this vital support. Demand for the course remains strong, we currently run the course online every other month – and we are committed to continuously improving its content and reach. With your support, we can ensure that aspiring Cumbrian entrepreneurs who want to start and run their own business continue to have access to the guidance and support they need.
The course covers:
Day 1 - Ideas and Planning
Day 2 - Marketing the Business
Day 3 - Record Keeping and Dealing with HMRC
Day 4 - More Taxes and Considering Sustainability
We are looking for a sponsor(s) to cover costs per course or there is the option of sponsoring the full year programme. Usually we have 11-20 attendees per course, attendees are usually pre-starts (not yet trading) but we do also encourage early stage trading businesses to attend.
Cost per four day course is £2,000 +VAT running in March 26, May 26, July 26, September 26, November 26, January 27 and March 27.
In return we can offer:
But most importantly you’ll be supporting future entrepreneurs and helping Cumbria’s economy grow.
We always get such positive feedback from the course, don’t just take our word on the impact attending delivers.
“I was kindly offered a place on the business start-up course and I couldn’t be more impressed. From start to finish, the session was informative, engaging and genuinely welcoming. As someone setting up a new venture, I found the practical advice and relevant insights incredibly valuable.Our presenter, Tony Ferguson of Dodd & Co was knowledgeable and approaching, creating a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged open discussion and questions. Topics ranged from business compliance to understanding the tax implications to marketing support and funding options. I left the session feeling not only more confident but also part of a wider, supportive community of entrepreneurs and professionals.” Helen Fergie
“I found the course to be very informative and really helped me to focus on the first steps I needed to take.” Diane Wills
“I thought the course was excellent. I learned so much and developed an action plan for my business which is already making life so much easier. It gave me the confidence and understanding of business, accounting and marketing. I would highly recommend the course.” Sara Mason
“I found that the internet was a minefield whilst researching advice for starting my business. Speaking to the Chamber of Commerce I found their knowledge and expertise invaluable as they could tailor it specifically to me. Help with marketing and naming the business, along with advice on tax deductable expenses has helped grow the business to the size I had planned.” Val Stephenson
Anyone interested in this opportunity should contact Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Growth & Support – lesleyr@cumbriachamber.co.uk
