Cumbria Business Growth Hub is extending its Business Start-Up Support programme which has been supporting the county’s budding entrepreneurs and young businesses for more than 12 years.
Funded by the European Regional Development Fund the project has been extended until June 30 2023. Seeing the real value the BSUS programme offers, Allerdale Borough Council, Carlisle City Council, Copeland Borough Council, Eden District Council and South Lakeland District Council are also contributing financially towards the continuation of support.
Lesley Robinson, business support manager, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, manages all activity delivered through Cumbria Business Growth Hub. She said: “I’m absolutely delighted we can continue to offer vital business support services to those thinking of starting a business or in the very early stages of trading.
“Our flexible, intensive and client-led support programme has helped hundreds of businesses start up and grow within the county over the years. It’s great to have the backing of the local authorities and I look forward to working with them all further to deliver relevant and tailored support to individuals and businesses within each area.”
Allerdale Borough Council’s senior destination manager, Graham Kennedy, said: “We are delighted to support Cumbria Chamber of Commerce’s Business Start-Up Scheme for the coming year. The chamber are acknowledged experts in providing advice and support to new and existing businesses.
“We are very committed to supporting businesses in Allerdale, especially new business start-ups, existing businesses wishing to grow and farm businesses looking to diversify. The chamber’s programme will provide the help these businesses need to prosper.”
Carlisle City Cllr Marilyn Bowman, portfolio holder for economy, enterprise and housing added: “We look forward to working with Cumbria Chamber of Commerce to support the continued growth of Carlisle and the wider region. We appreciate the importance of the Business Start-Up programme and all the services and support it provides. We urge budding business people to get in touch and sign up for the help available.”
Sarah Mitchell, economic development manager at Copeland Borough Council, said: “Copeland Borough Council are really pleased to be supporting the Business Start-Up Support programme with support from Sellafield Ltd Social Impact Fund. It’s really crucial to support budding entrepreneurs and young businesses in Copeland and through the BSUS programme and other council initiatives we’re able to strengthen the range of support that’s on offer.”
Cllr Mary Robinson, deputy leader and portfolio holder for economy and enterprise at Eden District Council said: “Inspiring Eden, the council’s plan for economic recovery and prosperity, is underpinned by enterprise and entrepreneurship, and to this end, it is great news that the business start-up support programme has been extended. We look forward to working with Cumbria Chamber of Commerce to unlock the full potential of our economy and our communities, to drive and accelerate economic recovery over the coming months.”
Councillor Robin Ashcroft, portfolio holder for economy, culture and leisure at South Lakeland District Council, said: “The Growth Hub has consistently provided an immensely useful service to businesses in South Lakeland and we are delighted to extend our support for Cumbria Chamber of Commerce’s Business Start-Up Support programme. South Lakeland has a vibrant and varied economy and we at SLDC are committed to putting into practice measures that will promote the economic conditions necessary to stimulate growth and create opportunities. Supporting Cumbria Business Growth Hub is a major part of that.”
Through the BSUS programme there are a minimum of 12 hours support on offer including one to one adviser time, a three-day business start-up course, access to a part-funded subsidy, other free training, access to Cumbria Chamber Enterprise Network and signposting to other business support.
To access support call 0844 257 8450 or email info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk
