New year, new career goal?

Posted | 10 January 2022

Would you like to start your own business this year? It can be daunting but we can take some of the pressure off with a programme of free professional business advice and training, plus access to an experienced Business Adviser. If this sounds like something that would help you, check out the complete guide to our support services below.

One-to-one business advice sessions

Do you have the knowledge and skills to run your own business? Can you identify your typical customer? How do you make sure you register your business with HMRC?

There are lots of questions to ask yourself when you start your own business, but help is at hand. With our one-to-one advice sessions you can discuss your business idea with Wayne, our qualified and experienced Business Adviser. Contact Wayne to set up your meeting:

Business planning

Business planning is important for every business. Whether you're just starting a new venture or looking to develop an existing business, planning is vital and will help you decide your strategy and action plan to take it forward. We're holding an online session going over the key benefits of a business plan and the main questions that you'll need to answer to write your plan.

Session details:

  • Session: A Short Introduction to Business Planning for a New Business
  • Date: Wednesday 19 January 2022
  • Time: 11am – 1pm
  • Location: online session via Zoom
  • How to book: reserve your place on Eventbrite for free

Social media

LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Etsy, YouTube… The what, why and how of social media can be a minefield to navigate. Which platforms would work best for your business? Where does your target market hang out? Do you even need social media at all? There’s a lot to think about, so if you’re concerned about what you should (and shouldn’t) be doing on social media, we’ve got the course for you.

Session details:

  • Session: Social Media for Your Start-Up Business – the Which, Why and How
  • Date: Tuesday 15 February
  • Time: 10am – 3.30pm
  • Location: Fallowfield Library, Platt Lane, Fallowfield, M14 7FZ (may be moved online depending on Covid situation)
  • How to book: reserve your place on Eventbrite for free

Facebook and Instagram for business

Some businesses are successful at effortlessly generating content, engagement and leads through their Instagram and Facebook Business pages, so what are their secrets? If you struggle to keep up, or to see the relevance of Instagram and Facebook pages at all, we can help you find out how they can be used to grow your business.

Session details:

  • Session: Why Should I Use Facebook and Instagram for My Business?
  • Date: Tuesday 1 March
  • Time: 10am – 3.30pm
  • Location: Fallowfield Library, Platt Lane, Fallowfield, M14 7FZ (may be moved online depending on Covid situation)
  • How to book: reserve your place on Eventbrite for free

LinkedIn for business

Discover how to take full advantage of LinkedIn to aid with sales and developing company growth. This session will show you how to make your personal profile look professional, and how to develop a strategy to attract contacts and leads, resulting in new clients and increased revenue. Get all the secrets to LinkedIn success in this session!

Session details:

  • Session: Grow Your Business by Using LinkedIn Effectively
  • Date: Tuesday 15 March
  • Time: 10am – 3.30pm
  • Location: Fallowfield Library, Platt Lane, Fallowfield, M14 7FZ (may be moved online depending on Covid situation)
  • How to book: reserve your place on Eventbrite for free

Business help for women

We provide specific programmes for women starting in business in a supportive and friendly environment. The eight-week programme covers business plans, marketing, book-keeping, personal excellence and one-to-one coaching sessions. You can find out more about the Women in Business programme in this article and read about how it’s helped local women in this interview with Shamime, the entrepreneur behind BollyFit Active.

Programme details:

  • Programme: Women in Business
  • Start date: Thursday 3 February
  • Time: 10am – 3.30pm
  • Location: Fallowfield Library, Platt Lane, Fallowfield, M14 7FZ (may be moved online depending on Covid situation)
  • How to book: reserve your place on Eventbrite for free

Find out more

There are loads of resources to help you if you’re thinking of starting your own business. Check out the dedicated section of our website or contact Wayne for advice or more information:

We’re looking forward to helping you achieve your business goals in 2022!