When to start your business is often a very difficult decision to make!

You may have a great idea but be in employment and don't want to lose that security, or you may be facing unemployment and therefore forced to develop the idea faster than you normally would.
Whatever your circumstances, if you want to give that idea the best chance, find out all you can, when you can, by seeking early advice.

Enterprise for Success - Startup Workshops and Grants - Enterprise For Success is a new project to encourage new business start-ups and to help young businesses grow and thrive. The programme is funded by partners of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

There is always a schedule of events in your area during which your Blue Orchid adviser will guide you through a range of topics that will answer your list of questions, including:

• The Start up Master Class – a detailed and interactive workshop detailing all of the key areas you need to consider when starting a business
• How to utilise Social Media to generate new business and clients
• A range of financial workshops – including Cash Flow Management, Access to Finance, Booking Keeping
• Marketing Strategies – a range of workshops at varying lengths including the hugely popular “Its a Marketing Knockout” and “Monkey Marketing”
• GDPR – understanding your liabilities as a new business owner

Following completion of the 2 day start-up masterclass, you will, providing your project is eligible, be able to apply for a support grant of up to £5,000

To discuss in more detail and arrange a referal, contact the Economic Development team on 01543 464523

Business Enterprise Support are offering advice from their Enterprise Coaches for residents of the Cannock Chase District.  The support is for pre-start businesses who are seeking help in areas such as business planning, marketing, financial advice including a start up grant.  For further information contact Glenn Watson on 07805 783221 or E-mail: glennw@enterprisesupport.org or visit their website Business Enterprise Support

National Start Up Loans is a Government backed scheme providing loans to new businesses.  For further information please go to National Start Up Loans

Environmental Health Department also offer a service to businesses wishing to start up a food business, which helps to get it right from the start and ensure you adhere to correct regulations and guidelines.  For further information please go to Environmental Health

Business Rates Department will be able to offer advice to businesses on amount of business rates payable, how to reduce business rates and whether you actually need to pay them. For further information please go to Business Rates

Make it Stoke and Staffs is a great site that offers information about moving into the District along with a listing of commercial accommodation available in the area. For more information please visit Make it Stoke and Staffs

Last Updated: 26/08/2020