Funding to help our firms thrive (From Worcester News)

Funding to help our firms thrive

7:20pm Tuesday 8th January 2013 in News By Mike Pryce

A GROUNDBREAKING £2.9 million support programme has been launched to create new Worcestershire companies and transform old ones. Council chiefs have teamed up with business leaders to launch a help package which aims to rapidly improve the county’s economy.

Mainly aimed at people looking to start their own business for the first time, the programme, called Enterprise Worcestershire will offer support, coaching and finance.

Advice sessions and guidance will also be on offer to established companies looking to survive the choppy waters of 2013 in good health.

The £2.9 million funding pot has been created after cash was lumped together from the European Regional Development Fund, the county council and Worcestershire’s six district councils.

There will also be expertise input from Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and the regional Federation of Small Businesses.

Peter Pawsey, chairman of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said “We welcome the Enterprise Worcestershire programme, which will support new businesses to start up and encourage existing businesses to expand and create jobs.

“This package of financial support and business advice will encourage those thinking of either starting or investing in their business in Worcestershire to take the plunge.”

Councillor Simon Geraghty, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure said: “Enterprising Worcestershire offers excellent opportunities for businesses, whether starting up or looking to grow and develop.

“We are delighted to be working with Worcestershire Economic Partnership colleagues, including the district councils and the University of Worcester.

“A particular benefit of this scheme is local targeted support across the whole county – for example, access to facilities at the Hive, Europe’s first joint university and public library, will be of particular benefit for those establishing and growing their businesses, and business advisors will have specialist knowledge so that services to businesses can be tailored to specific needs.”

To find out more about the support on offer contact Steve Brain at Worcestershire County Council on 01905 766925 or e-mail sbrain@worcestershire.gov.uk.