Starting a Business
Starting your own business?
Whether you're new to business, starting a business for the first time or have a lot of work experience already, it can still be a bit overwhelming. The Consortium of Enterprise Trusts (CENTA)can help you make the right start. You can access reliable business advice and up to the minute business information, which can help you make a real success of your business venture.
The Consortium of Enterprise Agencies is an independent, non-governmental and not for profit, private organisation with a proven track record in supporting thousands of businesses throughout Pennine Lancashire. All advisers have been directly involved with business over a number of years. They are experienced, knowledgeable and have wide ranging skills. They are committed to helping you with:
- Confidential, independent and impartial advice
- Practical hands on guidance
- Tailored solutions for you and your business
- Specialist advice for businesses that will grow very quickly
- Ongoing support
- Financial assistance
- Training courses for the self-employed
- Book-keeping services
For further information please telephone 0845 0777 100or visit the Pennine Lancashire Enterprise Trust website at The Consortium of Enterprise Agencies Ltd website
Grant Support to start your business
For the first time, Pendle Council can offer grants to help get a new business off the ground. We can also offer these grants to young companies who've been in business for six months or less.
People can apply for help for a range of things to help their new business such as:
- buying machinery or a computer or new software
- developing a website, for example for on-line payments and billing
- marketing and promotional materials.
How much Grant is available?
Grant assistance of up to 50% of the eligible costs, subject to a minimum award of £500 and a maximum grant of £2,000.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Residents located within Pendle BC
- Persons wishing to start business within premises located within Pendle BC boundaries
- New businesses starting -up from scratch
- Businesses which have been trading for less than 6 months
Councillor Mike Blomeley, Leader of the Council said: "I'm delighted to announce this brand new scheme for grants which people right across Pendle can apply for. A grant can make all the difference and I'm glad we can support people to set up in business in these challenging times. "
For further details contact:
Imtiaz Shah, the council's Employer Engagement Officer by ringing (01282) 661688 or e-mail ing imtiaz.shah@pendle.gov.uk
Support and Office Accommodation for Business Start-Up
The Pendle Enterprise Haven
Pendle Enterprise Haven was officially opened on Tuesday August 19th 2008.
Its home is a historic site - the former Water Board office building at 138 Every Street, in the Whitefield area of Nelson.
The Haven offers incubator units for two local businesses, managed office facilities for six starter businesses (called an 'office hub'), and a training room which seats 20.
Pendle Council, a key partner in the No Limits initiative, has overseen the £350,000 conversion of the former Water Board building. Its traditional exterior has been retained, whilst the inside is now home to state of the art facilities.
The Haven is managed by Trust 4 Business, part of CENTA
Advice and training opportunities for new and fledgling businesses is available. These range from one-to-one enterprise coaching to networking opportunities. Pendle Council's 'Tackling Unemployment Project' is also based at the Haven.
Steve Wilkinson, CENTA Operations Manager, said: "It's all about helping new businesses break out of their back-bedrooms - the Haven is a stepping stone, prior to taking more substantial office space elsewhere in Pendle, as businesses grow bigger."
Anyone seeking information about how the Haven can help their business should contact the Consortium of Enterprise Trusts on 0845 0777 100.
Pennine Enterprise Haven.138, Every Street
Nelson
BB9 7EX
ACE Enterprise Suite
Affordable Luxury Office Suite rental available in the heart of Nelson. You can find the solution to your office needs at The Enterprise Suite @ ACE, offering local businesses the most modern, spacious and affordable office accommodation.
Based in the heart of Nelson, Lancashire , close to Junction 13 of M65.
Start-up businesses can test the water with our rent-a-desk facility. This offers a shared office, with your own desk and telephone line at only £25per week
Or you can have a virtual office - with a postal address service and 'back-office' facilities for a small fee.
Pendle's premiere business location offers 34 suites over 20,000sq ft. Fully serviced offices with fantastic views over the surrounding area.
Just call 01282 882470 to discuss your business needs and create an office rental package that meets your requirements or see detail of ACE offices or download the brochure
Pennine LEAP - start-up support for high growth businesses
Pennine LEAP provides intensive training, mentoring, HR coaching, social enterprise and international trade support. The programme also provides finance support and the benefit of an experienced business mentor for up to two years.
The programme offers support to individuals in Pennine Lancashire, including Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn, Burnley , Pendle and Rossendale.
We provide a wide range of help, including:
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A "Start Up Boot Camp', providing interactive tailored coaching for new enterprises.
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Coaching from a Human Resources specialist.
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International trade support.
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Specialist social enterprise coaching.
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Finance support.
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Ongoing mentoring support for up to two years.
Pennine LEAP is delivered by Regenerate's Enterprise and Employment Team and a network of enterprise partners. The project supports non retail enterprises across Pennine Lancashire and will operate until December 2013
Further Advice
