Start Ups
What is the ERDF Business Start Up Support (BSUS) service?
The Business Start Up Support project is part financed by Competitiveness Programme of the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs.
For more information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf
What does the Business Start Up Support Service provide to the customer seeking to start up in business?
Business Start Up Support is a package of *free business support offered to residents of Greater Manchester, Halton, Cheshire and Warrington who are looking to start up their own business or become self employed . The business package includes one to one professional advice and guidance by a Business Advisor, business planning and financial advice, marketing and sales support, networking opportunities and a range of specialised workshops.
What does the Business Start Up Support Service provide to the new and young business?
This programme will also offer consultancy advice to new and young businesses about how to improve business performance and overcome the challenges of building a sustainable business.
The Partners
The programme will see Blue Orchid lead an innovative consortium of partners, including all area Local Authorities, Bolton Business Ventures, Franchising Works, Princes Trust and the Colleges of Bolton, Bury and Tameside to help over 4000 new businesses establish themselves and to create employment for more than 8000 people in the North West.
*subject to eligibility
Blue Orchid is committed to supporting as many individuals as possible under this contract. For more information please contact the Blue Orchid gateway team on 0161 341 0245.
New Enterprise Allowance
Blue Orchid delivers the DWP funded New Enterprise Allowance scheme in Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire & Warrington. The scheme is aimed at jobseekers from Day 1 of their JSA claim. Over the next 18 months, Blue Orchid will work with over 2500 unemployed people to help them explore self employment.
Blue Orchid offer an extensive range of services to NEA clients, including an individual mentor, access to business planning workshops and a qualified business advisor to help with the technical aspects of establishing a business.
Every week Blue Orchid advisors visit each of the 57 Job Centres in the area covered by the contracts to meet with clients, assess business ideas and set them on the path to success.
Since August 2011 Blue Orchid has helped almost 1000 unemployed people in the North West of England start their own business.
If you would like more information on the New Enterprise Allowance Programme and enquire about eligibility, please ask your Job Centre Advisor.
