Our current funding for our Business Start-Up Support programme and Cumbria Business Growth Hub comes to an end on 30th June 2023 as we’re funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
It seems timely to remind those of you who have yet to access support what’s available and remind those of you with support hours remaining how you can use them!
BSUS
Our Business Start-Up Support programme is for those looking to start their own business or in the first three years of trading.
We offer a range of support which can be tailored to individual needs. Supported by a team of 35 business advisers there’s one to one adviser time with an experienced and knowledgeable business adviser. Our team can cover any sector and support need and all are business owners themselves so understand the challenges.
We also run a three day business start up course which covers business planning, marketing, sales, pricing, social media, business bank accounts, record keeping, cashflow and profit and loss.
https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/business-start-up/training-and-events/bsus-start-courses
Then there’s also other free training on offer to help develop your skills further.
https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/business-start-up/training-and-events/bsus-workshops
And if all of the above wasn’t enough we also have a part funded subsidy for specialist consultancy support of 40% up to £2,000 (minimum project spend of £2,500) to be used for new work such as websites, videos/images, marketing (not printed collateral), HR, legal, accountancy, business planning, succession planning, planning/architectural.
Cumbria Business Growth Hub
Support under the Growth Hub is for businesses who operate mainly with other businesses rather than the general public or are looking to increase B2B activity.
Again there’s adviser support but we also offer supply chain support and specific activity for food & drink businesses. Our Workforce Development service is available as well as our Access to Finance service (both are available through BSUS as well).
https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/skills-and-training/workforce-development-service
https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/business-support/financing-your-business/access-to-finance
There’s a great range of free training and webinars available.
https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/business-support/growth-hub-training-events
And we also have business grants available of £1,000 with a business contribution of a minimum £1,500 to be used for work such as websites, videos/images, marketing (not printed collateral), HR, legal, accountancy, business planning, succession planning, planning/architectural.
Through both schemes we also signpost to other external business support programmes and activity where appropriate.
The Growth Hub is also offering 10 free of charge ‘discovery sessions’ covering the below areas.
- Scaling up and business growth; Reviewing business growth opportunities and ensuring effective plans are in place
- Change Management and Leadership: Identifying requirements and helping to build a plan to manage / lead change
- Attracting and retaining talent: Identifying opportunities to attract and retain the best talent
- Culture: Reviewing current and future culture requirements and helping to identify opportunities to improvw
I’m sure you’ll agree there’s a whole range of valuable support available. Through our current funding there are certain sectors we’re unable to support but please do get in touch as if we can’t support you now we will be able to post June 2023.
Anyone interested can either contact our Head of Business Support Lesley Robinson on 07876861266 or email lesleyr@cumbriachamber.co.uk or info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk
Get in touch before it’s too late!