New programme launched to help start-ups enhance their e-commerce offer

ENTREPRENEURS and start-ups looking to take their businesses online can get help to launch and grow an online business from their mobile, laptop or tablet thanks to a new programme from GC Business Growth Hub.

Business on the Go is fully funded for eligible businesses that have either not yet launched or are in the early years of trading and want to get to grips with the challenges and opportunities of e-commerce.

There are limited places still available with a deadline of 5 October for businesses to register their interest at businessgrowthhub.com/business-on-the-go.

The programme will be delivered by GC Business Growth Hub, part of The Growth Company and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and will take businesses through a number of interactive webinars and tailored one-to-one business support.

Offering practical advice and business fundamentals, Business on the Go will ensure participants consider the technical aspects needed to successfully launch and grow an online business.

A series of workshops will be delivered fully online in accordance with social distancing guidelines and will be supported with electronic resources, covering the following topics:

Workshop 1: Log on to launch

• Company structure
• Setting up a website
• Costing and finance
• How to buy and sell overseas

Workshop 2: The apps to stop mishaps

• The best apps to save time and work more efficiently
• Social media and marketing
• Time management tools

Workshop 3: Safety net

• Cyber Security – Staying safe on-line
• GDPR legal requirements
• Regulations

Workshop 4: Search Engine Marketing

• The Basics – an introduction to SEO
• How to engage across all digital marketing channels
• Paid search (Pay per click)
• Analytics

The programme will also include ‘fireside chats’ with successful founders, where participants can hear their real-life experiences, understand their journeys and the challenges they’ve overcome as well as having the chance to ask questions about what they’ve learned and getting their tips for growing a successful online business.

Hilary Centeleghe, Growth and Start-up Lead, GC Business Growth Hub, said: “Even during challenging times like these, there are still entrepreneurs and start-ups out there taking their first steps towards growth. Business on the Go is here to give them the tools to achieve that, whether they’re working from a laptop, a tablet or even their mobile.

“So, if you’re still deciding how to make your online business idea a reality or want to grow your business by adding e-commerce to your offer, Business on the Go will guide you to the next level.”

For more information and to register your interest in the programme ahead of the deadline of 15 October, visit businessgrowthhub.com/business-on-the-go.

Businesses looking to access specialist support can visit www.businessgrowthhub.com for more information about the organisation’s extensive range of services. This and other GC Business Growth Hub projects are part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the GM Business Growth Hub project designed to help ambitious SME businesses achieve growth and increase employment in Greater Manchester. The Hub is also supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester local authorities.