Solihull Council launches start-up support programme for aspiring entrepreneurs

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Solihull Council has launched a new support programme for start-up businesses in Solihull, Enterprise for Success.

The programme is funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is designed to guide new entrepreneurs through the crucial first stages of establishing a business in a supportive learning environment.

Enterprise for Success is open to anyone who is looking to set up a business or who has started a business in the last twelve months in Solihull. You must be a resident of Solihull, or your business must be in Solihull, to apply.

The programme starts with a consultation in order to tailor the programme to the participant’s specific requirements. This leads into the ‘Building Your Business Foundations’ group sessions; these cover the essential elements of starting a business and empower entrepreneurs to create their own action plan and business plan template.

Further support includes the ‘Start-It Masterclass’, a one-day workshop that gives practical advice around business creation and registration. Entrepreneurs who have started trading will then continue to receive flexible, personalised support. This will include access to advice on business strategy, embracing innovation, managing growth, and ensuring proper business planning.

Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council and Cabinet Member for Business and Economy, said:

“Solihull is a great place to set up a business or enterprise. We consistently out-perform the West Midlands and England as a whole, with almost half – 45% – of companies still trading after five years. I am really proud of the work my team at the council does in promoting this and helping the borough prosper, creating jobs and opportunities for our residents in the borough and local area.

“With the launch of this programme, we are able to encourage more start-up success in Solihull. We are confident that Enterprise for Success will ensure that entrepreneurs continue to make Solihull a place where local businesses really can flourish and thrive.”

Peter Daniel, on behalf of the Enterprise for Success programme, said:

“It’s great to be delivering this programme for Solihull Council and to provide this extensive support for aspiring and new business owners. Since 2016, the Enterprise for Success programme has supported nearly 2,000 entrepreneurs to become ‘enterprise ready’ and nearly 800 early-stage businesses. If you have any questions about Enterprise for Success, or you would like to refer a new business to our workshops, please contact me via email at p.daniel@rocksolidconsultinguk.com.”

For more information and to get started, visit the Enterprise for Success web page here. You can visit Solihull for Success’s website here.