Starting a business can be daunting. You might have a great idea, a passion to deliver a service or an exciting new product. Make the most of the free advice and guidance that is available to help you turn your ideas into a business.
Bury Means Business works closely with local, regional and national support services to make sure you access free, specialist advice to make your start-up ambitions become a reality.
To speak with us about the support available to help you start, sustain or grow your Bury business, call 0161 253 6535 or email investin@bury.gov.uk
The following organisations can provide you with up-to-date, appropriate and relevant advice and support:
Growth Company Business Growth Hub
The Growth Company Business Growth Hub support businesses at all stages of their growth journey with a broad range of services. They offer expert one-to-one and peer-to-peer business support, events, specialist programmes, funding and much more GC Business Growth Hub
PeoplePlus Enterprise
People Plus Enterprise offers business support for those looking to start a business, or to grow an existing one. From 1-2-1 meetings, workshops and online learning, to further training and expert advice, PeoplePlus Enterprise can help your business not only survive, but thrive too. PeoplePlus Enterprise
interesting fact
COVID-19 Small Business Grant Scheme
Check for eligibility and confirm your bank details on the Bury Council - Coronavirus (COVID-19) - business grants.
- £10,000 grant for occupied business premises in receipt of small business rates relief.
- £25,000 grant to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with rateable values between £15,000 and £51,000.
REGIONAL
Ask about business
Provides access through libraries to business information for:
- pre-start and new businesses
- existing business
- jobseekers
- consumers
- inventors
- business students
Natwest Entrepreneurial Spark (ESpark)
The world's largest free business accelerator for early stage and growing ventures.
Web: Entrepreneurial Spark
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
Provide business support to companies of all shapes and sizes, through a range of sector-based membership services and networking opportunities. Web: Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
School for Social Entrepreneur
Providing training, networking and ongoing opportunities for social entrepreneurs in the North West. Web: The SSE - School for Social Entrepreneurs
Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) Centre for Enterprise
Combines expert research and knowledge in growing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. The Centre provides a wealth of business support services, including training and development specifically for SMEs based in the North West of England. Web: MMU - Centre for Enterprise
NATIONAL
Start up Britain Campaign
For new businesses. Web: Start Up Britain
Business is Great Campaign
For established businesses. Web: Gov.uk - Business and self-employed
Princes Trust
A National charity supporting young people to start a business. Web: Princes Trust
Virgin Start up
Help businesses get funding, get a mentor and get ahead. Web: Virgin Startup
Enterprise Nation
Help people start and grow their businesses by putting them in touch with other business owners, by providing access to the best tools and resources, and by sharing their own knowledge Web: Enterprise Nation
HMRC
HM Revenue & Customs offers a free e-learning tool that advises on the tax and National Insurance issues involved in starting your own business. The package includes learning checks and videos as well as links to further advice on YouTube and the Gov.uk web sites. Web: Gov.uk - HM Revenues and Customs
MentorsMe
A Government website matching businesses with mentors. Web: Mentors Me
ICAS
Step by step guide to Starting and Finance a New Business. Web: ICAS - The professional body of CAs
UKTI
Government exporting site. Web: Gov.uk - UK Trade Investment
Business in the Community
Responsible Business Network, businesses coming together to tackle a wide range of issues that are essential to building a fairer society and a more sustainable future. Web: Business in the Community
Goldman Sachs Programme
The 10,000 Small Businesses programme, for a business or commercially-focused social enterprise that has been trading for at least 12 months, employs between 5 - 40 staff and is scalable and poised for growth. Web: Goldman Sachs - 10,000 Small Businesses
Shell LiveWIRE
Shell LiveWIRE is the UK's largest online community for young entrepreneurs aged 16 to 30. You can get information about the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, plus a wide range of free articles, tools and resources that will get you started. Web: Live Wire Shell
X-Forces
X-Forces support service leavers and their families to start up businesses across the UK with Government backed Start up Loans, mentoring and support. Web: X Forces
Business Companion
Business Companion offers free, impartial legal guidance for businesses. Web: Business Companion
UENI
UENI will plan, design and launch your free website (terms and conditions apply - aimed at micro businesses - 0 to 5 employees). Web: Join UENI - Claim your free website