Support to help new entrepreneurs and businesses in Barrow to grow is underway thanks to funding from the ambitious Town Deal programme.
The Barrow Business and Enterprise Support Project will offer free, tailored support through workshops, webinars, training, help to access wider supply chain opportunities and one-to-one adviser support.
It will be delivered by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, working with Cumbria Business Growth Hub and Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership.
Lesley Robinson, head of business support at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’re keen to hit the ground running and will be working to forge links with referral organisations and key groups in the area to ensure we can offer this free support to as many individuals and businesses as possible.
“Through our partnership with CSEP we can also extend the offer to social enterprises.”
Jon Power, head of programmes at Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “The opportunity to stimulate interest in the supply chain opportunities that exist throughout the area, and improving the productivity of businesses in the borough, is a really positive development.”
The Barrow Business and Enterprise Support Project is one of seven projects that make up the #BrilliantBarrow Town Deal – a programme designed to help communities to thrive into the future.
The project will provide four distinct strands which are designed to enhance the wider network and availability of business support – individuals, community businesses and social enterprises, businesses that could benefit from wider supply chain opportunities and support which aims to improve competitiveness and productivity.
Individuals and businesses can benefit from either three hours or 12 hours of support including an initial business review, available immediately until March 31, 2024.
Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council and a #BrilliantBarrow Town Deal board member, said: “All kinds of businesses are set to benefit from the accessible and expert help and support available – from people starting out on their own to larger, more established businesses that could tap into unique opportunities available within the wider supply chain in this area.
“A huge amount of work has gone into developing the seven #BrilliantBarrow projects since the funding was secured from Government so it is simply wonderful to see this project launch.”
Anyone interested in receiving support via the project should contact Cumbria Business Growth Hub on 0844 257 8450 or email [email protected]
