Published: Wednesday, 13th March 2024
Cannock Chase Council is working in partnership with Staffordshire County Council to deliver a package of support for businesses within District until 31 March 2025.
The project’s objective is to deliver a programme of business support which is a simple “one-stop shop” for start-ups and existing businesses alike, focussing on the business needs identified by Cannock Chase Council.
Councillor Josh Newbury, Deputy Leader for the Council and Portfolio Leader for Regeneration and High Streets said “There is lots of support and advice available to businesses in Cannock Chase, but navigating that can be a minefield when you’re juggling day to day demands.
“I would encourage local organisations to contact the team to see if they are eligible for any of this funding, before ruling it out.”
The programme consists of the following elements:
The Working for Yourself project is a marketing tool providing self-employment awareness raising sessions to attract people to think about self- employment as a career, or just make additional income from a hobby or sales. The Coach will engage with support organisations to get the message out into the market place, thus encouraging a more entrepreneurial culture within Cannock Chase.
Loans to step-up businesses is an interest free loan scheme for business in Cannock Chase trading for 2-5 years. Average loan £3,360 per business.
The Get Started and Grow scheme offers the services of a marketing consultant, accountant, HR expert or solicitor.
Peer to Peer workshops support businesses to grow and thrive by supporting each other and sharing best practice through 9 hours of facilitated sessions. They are followed up by an individual one to one session to cover areas of additional support required.
Through the partnership between Cannock Chase Council and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub a dedicated Business Advisor has been employed to help business across Cannock Chase.
Richard Carty will be on hand to support SMEs in the area looking for expert advice to help plot a growth curve for 2024.
In the role, supported by the Government’s UKSPF, he will draw on his expertise as a business coach to work with companies across the district looking to tap into new revenue streams and make the leap into global markets.
To find out more about the Business Advisor initiative in Cannock Chase, contact Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002, or email Richard on richard.carty@excellerator.biz
If you would like more information or advice regarding the support available to local businesses please contact our Economic Develoment Team by emailing econdev@cannockchasedc.gov.uk