Partner Article

New campaign to help fledgling businesses

A new enterprise package has been launched in Newcastle to deliver a series of business start up programmes in the most deprived parts of the city.

After a successful campaign in Sunderland, The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) is continuing its drive to support businesses after being awarded a contract with Newcastle City Council.

The six-week Working Neighbourhood Fund (WNF) courses will offer individuals the chance to examine the main challenges and opportunities of setting up on their own and will assist them in developing the skills needed to get their enterprise off the ground.

Leader of Newcastle City Council, John Shipley, said: “The growth of small businesses is vitally important to create employment and prosperity in the local economy.

“I welcome this series of courses which will give advice and assistance to those looking to start up their own business.”

In the last year the BIC has supported 44 people from disadvantaged areas in Sunderland and the programme seeks to engage with members of the community who have been successful in enterprise to act as role models.

Paul McEldon, chief executive at the North East BIC, is confident the scheme will bare more positive results for the region.

He said: “The high level of success with the Sunderland group bears testimony to the job done in building confidence.

“We’re looking forward to repeating the process and assisting the development of more exciting business in Newcastle.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .