A package of free, expert advice and support is available in Barrow for budding entrepreneurs and individuals considering a move to self-employment in 2024.
Information and guidance on the practical elements of setting up and running a business will be covered to give people the knowledge and confidence they need to start their business idea.
The programme of courses is part of the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal Business Support project.
They will be delivered by Cumbria Business Growth Hub and Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership during January, February and March.
Lesley Robinson, head of business support at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “The new year is a time when people naturally start to think about the future, the changes they want to make and the goals they want to achieve.
“That’s why we are excited to offer the next set of courses within the Brilliant Barrow Business Support project to help remove any barriers that may be standing in the way of people realising their ambitions to become self-employed or start their own business.
“Barrow has long had innovative, inventive, hard-working people, brilliant businesses and a thriving supply chain economy. We hope people will take advantage of the courses on offer so that they can make 2024 the year they try something new.”
Topics covered during the sessions will include:
- the legal process involved in starting a business
- writing a business plan
- understanding and accessing finance
- marketing a new business
- record keeping
- sales forecasting and cash flow
- understanding tax
A two-hour online workshop is available for anybody thinking of becoming self-employed on Tuesday 23rd January between 9.30am and 11.30am.
The three-day courses will take place at The Forum, in Duke Street, Barrow, from Wednesday 24th January and will run between 9.30am and 1pm.
Free places can be booked now through Cumbria Growth Hub.
Councillor Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council and Deputy Chair of the Brilliant Barrow Board, said: “These courses are free and will give those who take part access to invaluable advice and support, so that they are in the best position possible to bring their plans to life.
“A strong local economy is one that is broad and varied and spans a wide range of sectors.
“We want to see a new and diverse range of businesses emerging in Barrow. This will help the whole area to thrive and grow towards a more prosperous future.”
