Support programme launched to help entrepreneurs

A support programme has been launched to help budding entrepreneurs in Bassetlaw to set up a new business.

Sheffield City Region Launchpad is a £4 million project that is being offered to entrepreneurs through the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub and backed by Sheffield City Region Combined Authority.

Support

The European Regional Development Fund has invested over £2 million into the initiative, which has been set up with the aim of creating hundreds of new businesses throughout the region over the next three years.

Discussing the project, Programme Manager Anna Smith explained that it has been set up to ensure that entrepreneurs in all areas of the region, including those in Sheffield, growing towns and rural communities, have “equal access to the best quality business development support.”

Aspiring entrepreneurs can contact Launchpad and receive “the most appropriate support” from a business mentor, who will discuss their business aims and needs.

Potential

The project, which is being supported by local authorities and the Prince’s Trust, is focusing on entrepreneurs looking to set up their own business and start-ups that are aiming to grow their business.

“Through unprecedented collaboration between local authorities and the business community we have co-ordinated all efforts to identify and support pre-start and early stage businesses with growth potential,” stated Sheffield City Region European Structural Investment Funds Sub-Committee Chairman James Newman.

He added that the ultimate aim of the programme is to increase economic growth and develop new businesses to create new jobs.