EnterprisingYou, a government funded programme to support self-employed and gig economy workers in Greater Manchester, has shared positive feedback for its business coaches for their work during lockdown.
Delivered by The Growth Company, EnterprisingYou offers a six month, bespoke programme of support for free for Greater Manchester’s estimated 65,000 freelancers, small business owners and gig economy workers. Support covers areas from skills and training, career and business aspirations, health and wellbeing, and finances and housing concerns.
One business owner currently being supported by the scheme commented:
When you’re self-employed, support from outside becomes crucial. You’re working alone, figuring things out for yourself, with nobody senior to give feedback or help you choose the best path.
“With Enterprising You, I’ve suddenly gone from being alone to having a business coach AND a health & wellbeing advisor, working together to help me get where I want to be. Their advice is really practical, so I’m able to put it into action and quickly see results. And they’re both genuine experts — I’ve already made more progress after a few weeks of their guidance than I did in years by myself. I feel like I’ve fallen on my feet!”
Business Coach Clare Braithwaite said:
As Business Coach, I am there to help businesses at all stages of their journey. I establish where they may need support for their business, health and wellbeing and their finances. We then jointly agree on a plan and prioritise the things that are most important to the individual, for instance they may need health and wellbeing support before they focus on their business growth.
“More importantly, each person, behind each business, is an individual and we treat them as such. Throughout lockdown we have often put our virtual arms around our clients and been a supportive influence throughout the losses and wins, ups and downs”
Funded by GMCA and the Department for Education, the programme was launched earlier this year. 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.