Get help to make your business dream come true

The Business Compass Start Up programme aims to help ambitious people who need advice and support to set up their own firm.

The backing can include personal business advisors, as well as support packages which are bespoke to the differing needs of each applicant.

The packages can include workshops which can look at all aspects of business from company structure through to business planning, and sales to marketing and social media.

There are specific schemes for people looking to set up.

They include;

• Businesses in advanced manufacturing, automotive, chemical and process, digital, healthcare, logistics, low carbon and oil and gas;

• High growth business;

• People aged 18-30 years;

• Social enterprise.

Wrkshops and meetings are also planned where people can share ideas, as well as peer to peer networking with like-minded individuals.

The initiative has been launched by the Tees Valley Business Compass, for the Tees Valley Combined Authority, and will be administered by the North East Enterprise Agency.

Dave Budd, chair of Tees Valley Combined Authority, said: “Business Compass Start Up is a new initiative that supports the creation of new businesses in Tees Valley. The scheme aims to support economic growth with a number of new business investments and future job creation.

“The scheme offers personalised support for each individual and a wide range of workshops that will help put the businesses in the best position possible to succeed.”

Paul McEldon, chairman of NEEAL, said: “Launching your own business can be a daunting and confusing process. The new Business Compass scheme is there to help individuals across the Tees Valley make their aspiration of owning a business reality.

“I encourage anyone with a business plan or just an idea for a new business to take advantage of the opportunities the new initiative can offer.”

To find out more about the programme, contact (01642) 345265 or (0191) 5166094.