The council has received £1million to help support a programme of activities for start-up and established businesses in Slough.
The funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is spread across three years until 2025.
As part of this, a new local start-up programme has been created, and is being delivered by the Berkshire Growth Hub. It has been launched to nurture emerging new businesses across Slough – taking them from entrepreneur to ‘enterprise ready’.
If you’re in work and looking to branch out on your own, or are newly established, the five-week Start-up programme could help.
This will offer support on how to build and grow your business idea and turn it into a reality.
Each workshop is run by experienced leaders who are specialists in their field and there is a chance to network with other business owners after each workshop.
Those eligible to apply for the free workshops include those based in Berkshire, with a firm idea of a business, in the early stages of trading or plan to start soon, and with a turnover (if any) of less than £10,000.
The next start-up programme begins on 26 April. The closing date for applications is 12 April.
The High Growth Programme is also being run by the Berkshire Growth Hub and is designed to support small business owners who are ready to seize opportunities to grow.
The programme is fully funded, providing up to 12 hours of intensive support, through 1-2-1 sessions and access to a series of 3-hour online Masterclasses covering key business topics delivered by subject specialists.
As a high growth business owner, you may be looking at emerging opportunities such as generating more customers and turnover, scaling up, and bringing new products/services to market.
The aim of the programme is for businesses to reach and exceed their goals by putting ideas into action.
The High Growth Programme is open for applications now and Masterclasses run throughout the year.
Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council and cabinet member for economic development, said: “We are delighted to have received this funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. We have amazing long-established businesses in Slough but these programmes give a chance to the smaller and newly established businesses, who will hopefully go on to great success.”
Apply for the Start-Up programme, the High Growth Programme, or find out about Masterclasses.
Email info@berkshiregrowthhub.co.uk to speak to a business adviser, visit the council’s business webpage, or the Berkshire Growth Hub website and register to access tailored support resources.