Stockport entrepreneurs invited to apply for support programme

Entrepreneurs in Stockport looking to start or grow their new business are being invited to apply for a new fully-funded support programme.

Start Up Vision is a brand-new initiative for help people in Greater Manchester to start their businesses. The scheme is being delivered by the GC Business Growth Hub and funded by the government’s UK Community Renewal Fund.

The programme is open to all sectors and offers support for those currently unemployed or economically inactive, as well as for micro businesses that are less than one-year old and based in the local area. Successful participants to the scheme will receive tailored advice and support on a one-to-one basis from an experienced business adviser to develop develop a personalised action plan. Entrepreneurs will also gain access to additional funded training courses and workshops or practical support services delivered by specialist providers.

The programme has been designed to test out a new approach to supporting business start-ups and very early-stage businesses, to determine whether, by giving very tailored and specialist support they can become capable of growing much quicker and more sustainably.

Hilary Centeleghe, Head of Start-up and Growth at GC Business Growth Hub, said:

“This is a commendable new initiative to help empower individual entrepreneurs and start-ups during that critical first phase of a business life cycle, when a strong business idea is both on the cusp of blossoming into its fullest potential and is also at its most vulnerable. 

“Start-ups and small businesses are the lifeblood of our regional and national economies, so it’s crucial that they are offered the fullest possible support to succeed and especially in those crucial first few months of operating.”    

The programme is aimed at any individual who can demonstrate a strong business or freelance idea and an enterprising vision; from individuals who are currently unemployed or economically inactive, to those who are employed but looking to move into self-employment, or self-employed running a small business for less than one year.

The scheme is open to all individuals who meet these criteria and people from typically underrepresented communities such as those from minority ethnic backgrounds, people over 50 years old, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.   Further details and information about how to apply can be found on the Growth Hub website.