Free start-up support to launch in Hereford
Organisers say they want to help people get their business idea off the ground
A new scheme to support people who want to set up their own business is being launched in Hereford.
The programme includes a free crash course on how to setup a business, with support to be offered on a range of subjects, from marketing to branding, through to finance, and more.
'Startup Club' will run for six weeks from the 2nd May, and will take place at the Shell Store in Rotherwas, from 6pm-8pm. That's because organisers wanted it to be accessible to anyone with a day job or childcare responsibilities.
Hub Manager at Shell Store, Laura Hall, said that she was looking forward to bringing the programme to life:
“Having started a business myself, I know just how daunting it can be to take the leap when you don’t have anyone showing you what to do or knowing how to make it work.
"This is why Startup Club is such a lifeline for first-time entrepreneurs - the people guiding you through each stage have done it all themselves, and there’s no pressure to give up the security of your current job to go all in on your startup until you feel ready and confident."
It comes as confidence levels of small business owners in the West Midlands took a hit in the last quarter of 2022, with more small firms reporting a drop in revenue (44%) than a rise (32%), according to the Federation of Small Businesses.
But Laura is confident that people will find it useful, and says launching a business during a period of economic difficulty can be advantageous:
"You can identify gaps in markets and a lot of predictions come out at these times, and as long as you're sensible and conscious, you can make the right decisions at the right time."
She added there will be lots of support offered to those taking part in the course, which is free and people can register for online.
“The other fantastic thing about going through the process as a group is that you’re not only supported by the experts who run the sessions, but you are sharing the experience with the rest of the group, which can really help to keep you accountable and stick with it. A sense of community is integral to everything we do here, and Startup Club will be no different.
“There is absolutely nothing to lose by signing up, putting your business plan through its paces and leaving with the support and expertise you need to take the next steps in your venture with conviction. I look forward to hearing from our very first Startup Club cohort and playing a small part in their journey to entrepreneurship!”
More information, including how to register, is available through the Shell Store website.