Support scheme launched to help budding entrepreneurs in Whitby
It is aimed at helping people get their business ideas off the ground.
A programme is set to be launched to support Whitby residents who are interested in setting up their own business.
Scarborough-based business support company Yorkshire in Business is teaming up with Anglo American's Crop Nutrients business to help budding entrepreneurs get their business ideas off the ground.
The six-month Coastal Start Up programme will be aimed at those who are interested in setting up a new business and are unsure where to access advice and support.
Research commissioned by Anglo American revealed gaps in business support for start-ups in Whitby, while statistics also suggest a surge in new start-up businesses as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic and displacement or risk of falling out of employment.
Gareth Edmunds, Corporate Relations Director at Anglo American’s Crop Nutrients business, said:
“We’re delighted to be backing this initiative to try and help people turn their business ideas into reality, as part of the economic development plans that sit alongside the Woodsmith Project.”
“We continue to identify ways in which we can contribute to lasting positive impacts in the areas around our operations. This project is a fantastic opportunity for us to support local residents who have the drive to develop a new business but perhaps just need a helping hand.
“Our business has always been committed to the area for the long term and we are proud to be able to continue to support the local economy.”
The programme will consist of three separate month-long courses followed by one-to-one mentoring until the end of the year, covering writing a business plan, financial planning, identifying customers and launching a business, with one-to-one support also available from a business advisor.
There will be a two-stage grant process with the programme, with £2,000 available to help with the start-up costs of the businesses at stage one. This grant will only be available to those who have successfully completed the course and registered their business with HMRC.
Following that, successful candidates will be eligible to apply for a stage two grant of up to £3,000 for additional costs to further develop their new business.
Yorkshire in Business have been providing business start-up advice and support along the Yorkshire coast for over 30 years, and their CEO Jenn Crowther says she is delighted to be teaming up with Anglo American to launch this initiative.
Jenn said:
“We are really pleased to be partnering with Anglo American’s Crop Nutrients business with this new initiative to support start-ups on the Borough’s Coast.
“This scheme will be aimed at those who have been displaced or are at a risk of losing employment and have a good business idea and maybe need professional guidance and support to turn it into a reality.
“The support Yorkshire in Business will impart provides participants with a solid foundation for turning their business ideas into reality. I feel this is a wonderful opportunity that can be lifechanging for individuals applying to this programme.”
More information on the scheme is available via https://www.yorkshireinbusiness.org.uk/starting-up-2/