A series of free events will be held to help mark Global Entrepreneurship Week.
The week, from Monday November 18 to Friday November 22, aims to inspire and empower entrepreneurs around the world through a range of events and competitions.
The events in Cumbria are organised by Cumbria Growth Hub.
Lesley Robinson, head of business support, said: “This year the Growth Hub aims to build upon the success of previous years by holding a range of expert-led webinars, workshops, and in-person networking opportunities aimed at entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses within Cumbria.
“With topics spanning everything from financing and benefits guidance to digital marketing strategies and tax planning, the line-up offers something for everyone looking to establish or expand their business.”
All of the events are free to attend. To book email [email protected]
Monday November 18
Ignite Your New Business: An Introduction to Start-Up Loans
11am-noon, online.
This free one-hour webinar led by Ashley Alletson, Business Support Manager at GC Business Finance, explores government-backed Start-Up Loans available to help new businesses thrive. Attendees will learn about eligibility criteria, the application process, and hear real-
life success stories from local entrepreneurs. The session is tailored for startups and businesses trading for less than three years, offering them a unique opportunity to ask questions and receive practical guidance. GC Business Finance provides essential financing and business support for new and early-stage businesses across the UK.
How the Benefits System Supports Self-Employment
1.30pm-2.30pm, online
For those exploring self-employment, this session provides an overview of how the benefits system can offer support. Participants will gain clarity on what to expect when moving into self-employment, how to keep the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) updated, and what happens after the first year.
Small Budgets, Big Ideas: Unleashing Urban Marketing Strategies in Cumbria
2pm-3pm, online
Learn to make a big impact with a small budget! This webinar covers effective marketing tactics, brand building, social media strategies, and more. Designed to help small businesses thrive in a crowded marketplace, this session addresses the importance of planning, building brand identity, and optimizing online presence.
What’s Your Why and Who’s Your Customer
3pm-4pm, online
In this interactive session, participants will explore their business motivations (the “why”) and learn tools to identify their ideal customer (the “who”). This foundational clarity can enhance decision-making across the board, benefiting entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.
Tuesday November 19
Meet the Entrepreneurs
11am-1.30pm, Barclays Eagle Lab, Bransty Row, Whitehaven
Join us in partnership with Barclays Eagle Lab to hear from two inspirational young entrepreneurs Georgina Goulding of Bakes by Gina and Oliver Hodgson of Platinum Live who
will share their self-employment journeys. You’ll also be given a tour of the Eagle Lab facilities and Maker Space, hear more about further support available through the Chamber and Barclays Eagle Lab, network and enjoy pizza!
Wednesday November 20
Drop-in Session at Carlisle BIPC
10am-noon, Carlisle Library
Discover the resources at the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) in Carlisle Library with an appearance from Ben Heslop who will share insights from his own journey into self-employment.
MTD for ITA (Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment)
1pm-2pm, online
This informative webinar addresses Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self-Assessment. Attendees will learn about the upcoming changes, responsibilities, and benefits of early adoption. Topics include MTD’s background, responsibilities for businesses, and a look at software options available for compliance.
Thursday November 21
Streamline Your Social Media Success: Time-Saving Tips for Social Media Marketing
10am-11am, online
Led by award-winning digital productivity expert Liz Hardwick, this session covers top tips and tools to streamline social media efforts, allowing entrepreneurs to save time while maximizing their online impact.
Friday November 22
Business Issues for SMEs and Micro-Entities
9.30am-10.30am, online
Following the recent Budget announcements, this session will explore the changes to employers’ National Insurance Contributions and the effect that this will have on employers, employees, and small business owners. We will delve into some business tax calculations to try and quantify the impact of the raised taxes and will look into maintaining tax efficient methods of extracting funds from your business.
How to register
All events are free, but registration is required as spaces are limited. To book onto any of the events email [email protected]
