Much of the support that businesses have come to expect from Cumbria Business Growth Hub is now available online.
Growth Hub advisers have continued to work throughout the coronavirus lockdown, using Skype or Zoom to interact with clients instead of meeting them face to face.
Now many of the Growth Hub’s popular workshops – including the course for people starting a business – have been redesigned to run online because social distancing rules make conventional workshops impractical.
Lesley Robinson, Growth Hub Project Manager, said: “We’ve actually seen an increase in enquiries during lockdown from people looking to start a business.
“Some have been made redundant and that’s prompted them to pursue a long-standing ambition to run their own business.
“Others have been working from home and have discovered that it suits them. They are looking to start a business that gives them a better work/life balance.”
She added: “There’s no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic has been hugely disruptive and damaging but disruption always creates opportunities.
“If you have the right business idea, this could be a good time to start-up as the economy emerges from lockdown.”
The free start-up course covers the basics of running a business including business plans, business structures, legal issues, cash flow, bookkeeping, pricing, contingency planning, marketing and social media.
It is now being delivered in three three-hour online sessions.
Two courses scheduled for June and July are already fully booked but, because of demand, additional dates are being added and will be confirmed soon.
Growth Hub advisers can also help existing businesses that are looking to restart, reconfigure or target new markets and new routes to market as lockdown restrictions are eased.
This support is free to small and medium-sized enterprises that meet the Growth Hub’s eligibility criteria.
To register interest or find our more, email: [email protected]
