EnterprisingYou programme praised for pandemic support for self-employed

Freelance workers and business owners have praised the free EnterprisingYou programme for the support they have been offered during the pandemic.

EnterprisingYou launched early in 2020 to provide support though a business coach and specialist advice and mentoring to the self-employed in Greater Manchester. The GMCA-commissioned programme was the first of its kind in the UK, thanks to funding from the Department for Education.

The service has helped small business owners in Greater Manchester adapt to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic by shifting their businesses online. Russ Hedley was supported by his coach to digitise his business which offered guided nature walks. He commented on the support his received to respond to the pandemic:

Clare at EnterprisingYou helped with lots of things but above all provided business support. She has a background in marketing and social media which was invaluable. She was a great help in being a sounding board for ideas and just being there. I completed the Small Business Accelerator training and a qualification in 1:1 Coaching: Marketing Strategy and Communications.

“I was already changing the direction of the business and EnterprisingYou helped me to work out a direction for the future more in line with my personal goals for the future. Having more local work means I don’t have to be away so much.”

Sean Fielding, GMCA Lead for Digital, Education, Skills, Work and Apprenticeships, said:

The coronavirus pandemic has proved tough for many businesses. In particular, we know a large number of self-employed people have been frozen out of Government financial support schemes.

“In Greater Manchester we are always happy to offer support to people when they need it most. This is just one of the many ways Greater Manchester has mobilised to support our business community.

“EnterprisingYou is available now to help self-employed people adapt their businesses, or even with maintaining their personal well-being. Our small businesses will become crucial as we recover from the effects of the pandemic, so it is absolutely vital they are supported now. I urge anybody who needs some extra help to take this opportunity up.”

Lou Cordwell, Chair of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (GM LEP), said:

The EnterprisingYou scheme has provided self-employed people with reassurance and wellbeing support, as well as practical advice from a knowledgeable Business Coach. If you need some extra support, get in touch to learn more.

“Greater Manchester’s thousands of self-employed people have been among the hardest hit during the pandemic. Our business community has already shown incredible solidarity and resilience to endure an extremely difficult period.

“EnterprisingYou is there to help small businesses overcome the immediate challenges and thrive beyond the pandemic.”

EnterprisingYou is open to provide support for all residents of Greater Manchester aged 18 and over who are self-employed with an annual income of under £27,000: further information is available on the programme’s website.