Greater Manchester’s most enterprising individuals invited to step forward with Start Up Vision

People based in Greater Manchester who are ready to start up a business or might already be in the early stages of micro-business ownership are being invited to apply for a new fully-funded programme of support, designed to unlock their full enterprising potential.

Start Up Vision is a brand-new initiative, aimed at individuals within the region who are looking to begin their self-employment journey and those who are at the very early stages of starting up a business*.

The programme is open to all trades and 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.

It is being delivered across Greater Manchester by GC Business Growth Hub, funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.

Throughout the programme, which runs until the end of June 2022, successful participants will receive tailored advice and support on a one-to-one basis from an experienced business adviser.

Together they will develop a personalised action plan and where relevant, will 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.

All programme participants will gain the knowledge and skills they need to put their ideas into action or take their start-up businesses to the next level.

The programme will seek to upskill 200 self-employed individuals/new business start-ups with tailored 1:1 support and action plan development.

Its aim is to enable more individuals to make the shift into self-employment and help more micro businesses to grow faster and more effectively.

The programme will include opportunities for peer-to-peer networking and additional mentoring, with support provided to help participants identify knowledge and skills gaps.

There will be progression reviews delivered midway through and at the close of the programme, with access to training and workshops to help overcome obstacles and enable implementation of each action plan.

For more details or to make an enquiry visit www.businessgrowthhub.com/start-up-vision.

* The types of businesses and early-stage business ideas that might be eligible could include, but are not limited to, gardeners, dog groomers, joiners, physiotherapists, beauticians, and property maintenance managers, for example.

Register interest here