I’m so pleased to announce that I’m working in a small specialist team of business mentors on a programme established in Barnsley to help transform business dreams into reality which is set to expand.
Enterprising Barnsley’s Incubation Programme builds on the Genesis initiative which strives to encourage businesses to set up in the borough and develop from there.
Genesis began at the Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC), at Wilthorpe, over ten years ago. Its main aim was to accelerate the development and growth of new-start and early-stage businesses over a 12-month period,
Given the project’s success, Enterprising Barnsley is extending Genesis further with the new Incubation Programme which offers a support package to eligible businesses in other Enterprise Hubs across the area.
Companies can get office accommodation – with the first three months free – together with ICT facilities, broadband, office furniture and a reception service. In addition, businesses with growth potential will have access to a business mentor who can offer direct business support at no cost to their business. A free business development workshop programme will also be available to companies which will include financial management, exporting and access to finance.
Businesses trading from home or sharing accommodation elsewhere in Barnsley will also have access to the programme.
James Herbert, Enterprising Barnsley’s marketing and networks manager, said: “Starting a business is always challenging and early-stage, one-to-one support from Enterprising Barnsley can be crucial to a company’s success.
“For this reason we are pleased to be able to extend our package of support to eligible companies based in all our hubs and elsewhere.
“As well as mentoring and other specialised Enterprising Barnsley services, there’s the contact with other companies at the same stage through the incubation network and workshops. This can inspire and connect enterprises as they develop.
“If anyone is thinking of launching a new business in Barnsley then this is a great route in. It could also be an opportunity for companies already established but looking for a boost in these testing economic times.”
The Enterprise Hubs are as follows: BBIC Ltd at Wilthorpe and Cudworth; Thurnscoe Business Centre; Longfields Court, Carlton; Acorn Centre, Grimethorpe; Mount Osborne, Oakwell; Bullhouse Mill, Penistone and Barnsley Civic and Barnsley Digital Media Centre in the town centre.
The Enterprising Barnsley programme offers business support to Barnsley businesses with growth potential. Enterprising Barnsley has attracted £2.89m investment from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe’s support for the region’s economic development through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.
For further details visit www.enterprisingbarnsley.co.uk or drop me a line, I can direct you to the best person to deal with your enquiry.
