Campaign launched to support local start-ups and entrepreneurs

Enterprising Worcestershire has launched a "Re-think, Re-fresh" campaign to encourage individuals to follow their passions and start a business.

The Enterprising Worcestershire programme offers a variety of support including a free start-up club, business coaching, specialist support for high growth start-ups, business membership funding and start-up grants to help take business ideas to the next level.

Run by Worcestershire County Council, the support has been designed to enable start-up and early-stage businesses to begin to look forward, rethink and refresh their business ideas as we start to move on as the local economy begins to open up.

As part of this, the County Council will also be partnering with the University of Worcester to launch the Enrich Programme, offering free support to young budding entrepreneurs over the age of 16 who are interested in starting their own business.

An exciting new partnership with Worcestershire libraries will also provide information and advice through key libraries across the county.

Individuals and businesses in Worcestershire can access resources and databases to support them with marketing and business planning and incorporating the libraries' BIPC support can access specialist IP one-to-one advice.

With access to events and workshops, eligible businesses can gain valuable information and advice through libraries with signposting to further programme support.

Enterprising Worcestershire's new High Growth Activate Programme also begins at the end of October. This is a unique start-up business support programme designed to help Worcestershire High Growth SMEs accelerate toward success.  

Support is aimed at those with the potential to create high growth/high value businesses, with over 42 hours of FREE workshop, 1:1 and peer to peer support. The support will enable businesses to work alongside and collaborate with entrepreneurs that share their high growth ambitions and provides the practical tools to support them to move ahead with confidence and speed.  

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: "Now is the ideal time to re-think your options and refresh your ideas, especially if you're considering starting a business. With such a wide range of support on offer, the Enterprising Worcestershire programme can support start-ups and entrepreneurs on every step of their start-up journey.

I would urge those looking to develop business ideas or considering self-employment to get in touch with the Enterprising Worcestershire team to turn help turn their ideas into a reality."

As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week beginning the 8^th November, Enterprising Worcestershire will also have a daily programme of events to celebrate and empower entrepreneurs. You will be able to find out more about the support on offer, meet the team and hear feedback from local businesses who have accessed support through the Enterprising Worcestershire programme."

For more information, please visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20431/enterprising_worcestershire

The programme is funded by Worcestershire County Council, the District Councils and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).