If you're starting a business or becoming self-employed, here's some information on where you can access support.
Start Smart - support for starting a business or becoming self-employed
Business Growth Hub, in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council, has launched its new Start Smart programme.
The programme is designed to support Greater Manchester residents who have recently started their own business, want to start their own business, have recently become self-employed or want to find out if self-employment is right for them.
FREE support through workshops, events and one-to-one specialist advice includes:
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Analysis of business idea and exploration of viability
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Advice on how self-employment may impact on personal circumstances
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Legalities of becoming self-employed or starting a business
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Business and cash flow planning
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Advice on where to access grants and finance support
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Marketing
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Recruiting and managing staff
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New product development
Get in touch with the Start Smart team
Other support for new businesses
| Service provider | Service offered | Contact details |
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| Ask About Business | Business ideas, funding, running your business and more. |
Ask About Business |
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| Co-operatives UK | If you want to start your own co-operative, Co-operatives UK provides a handy guide to the process. |
Co-operatives UK
0161 214 1750 |
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| FranchisingWorks | Free support, advice and funding to those who are interested in supported self-employment but are open minded to the type of business they would like to operate or manage. Work from home, work from a van or even run your very own management style business. |
FranchisingWorks
0161 408 1313
info@franchisingworks.org |
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| GOV.UK | A range of advice on business and self-employed | GOV.UK |
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| HM Revenue & Customs tutorial | This free online tutorial is aimed at anyone starting their own business and covers all the basic tax and National Insurance information needed. |
HM Revenue & Customs tutorial |
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| Learn Direct | Learn Direct offer personalised self-employment or business start-up support if you are:
- Aged 16 or over
- Eligible to live and work in the UK
- Not currently in education or employment
|
Learn Direct
0170 651 6616
startup@learndirect.com |
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| Prince's Trust Enterprise Programme | The Prince's Trust provides specialist support for unemployed people aged between 18-30 who have a business idea. The programme will help work out if the business idea is viable and if self-employment is right for them. |
Prince's Trust
0128 271 4161
webinfonw@princes-trust.org.uk |
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| Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) | The RDA offers a comprehensive package of support to businesses looking to set up, expand or invest in the borough. Services provided include locating property and land, identifying available business support services and help with recruitment and training needs. |
Rochdale Development Agency
01706 927000
info@investinrochdale.co.uk |
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| Shell LiveWIRE | Shell LiveWIRE is the UK's largest online community for young entrepreneurs aged 16-30. Get information about the monthly £1,000 Grand Ideas Awards and the annual £10,000 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, plus a wide range of free articles, tools and resources that will help you get started. |
Shell LiveWIRE
0191 423 6229
enquiries@shell-livewire.org |
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| StartUp Britain | StartUp Britain is a national campaign promoting entrepreneurship by highlighting the support available to those wanting to start a business. The website features discounted offers on business services and promotes enterprise events and initiatives. |
StartUp Britain |
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