New tool launched to help Stockport businesses find the right support and funding

The GC Business Hub has launched a new Business Support and Funding Finder tool to help businesses in Stockport and throughout Greater Manchester navigate the complex funding landscape.

The new online resource has been commissioned by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to help businesses in the city-region access the support available to them, either through the Growth Hub or other partner organisations.

Cllr Elise Wilson, Leader of Stockport Council and GMCA Portfolio Lead for Economy and Innovation, said:

“There are many challenges businesses face, especially around having the time and resources to make things happen.

“The Business Support and Funding Finder is an essential new tool for every business in Greater Manchester, empowering them to find the right support or funding opportunity to help them to overcome these challenges, develop their services, upskill their staff and to innovate and grow.”

As well as giving businesses the ability to search and filter results for all publicly funded support relevant to them, the Business Support and Funding Finder will ensure they can make the most of these opportunities by also signposting them to the enquiry team from the Hub, which is part of The Growth Company and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Janine Smith, Director of Business Growth at the Hub, said:

“It’s a great accomplishment to bring all of these services and resources together in one place to create a unique resource for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

“There are 230 publicly funded programmes across Greater Manchester, which can make it difficult for businesses to understand what is right for them.

“This tool brings together all the support in one place and is incredibly accessible for time-poor businesses – answer a few simple questions online and it will identify the services that are available to you.”

Nick Shepherd, Business Development Manager at the Hub, added:

“I’m genuinely excited about the positive impact the Business Support and Funding Finder will have. By answering a handful of basic questions, businesses will be directed to the most comprehensive package of support available, quickly and effectively.

“Our advisors have played a crucial role in developing this tool and will also be on hand to ensure businesses can maximise the opportunities they will find.”

The Business Support and Funding Finder tool is available online here.