News / Business
New support programmes for Bristol businesses
Two new fully-funded support programmes have been launched in Bristol to help local businesses tackle economic challenges.
For workers made redundant or placed on furlough as a result of the pandemic, they will help provide skills development, helpful information and possible grant funding.
Existing businesses can receive support in the areas of resilience building, trading online, financial management and securing funding.
The two programmes, South Bristol Enterprise Support (SBES) and North & East Bristol Support (NEBS), are part of the West of England Combined Authority’s (WECA) expanded regional Growth Hub package, which has been designed help businesses through the pandemic.
Metro mayor Tim Bowles said: “This new support, as part of our Regional Recovery Plan, will help entrepreneurs and small firms in south, north and east Bristol seize the opportunity to turn their idea into a thriving business.
“We will only protect our residents’ jobs and livelihoods in these challenging times by supporting our businesses, and I urge people to get in touch with the West of England Growth Hub to find out how our tailored support can help them.”
The projects will include tailored training and workshops, e-learning, events, bursaries, grants and webinars.
Economic development and business support company YTKO will be supporting the programmes by working with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help increase business survival and recovery rates.
NEBS is part of the Universal Business Support Service, funded by Bristol City Council and WECA. The project runs until the end of March 2023 and will aim to work with over 2,800 businesses and residents in deprived areas of north and east Bristol.
The programmes are designed to help local businesses tackle economic challenges – photo provided by YTKO
“It’s fantastic to see this type of support available for businesses, especially during what has been a very difficult year,” says deputy mayor Craig Cheney, the cabinet member responsible for finance, governance and performance.
“Bristol is a vibrant city full of innovative and resilient businesses, and this support will help elevate them even further and provide new opportunities for our city.”
Toby Howkins, project manager for the two programmes, is encouraging any new or existing businesses to get in touch.
He says: “We are delighted that YTKO is working with the regional and local councils to provide this much-needed support to businesses across Bristol.”
For more information on the business support available in Bristol, visit www.westofengland.ytko.com/business-support-in-bristol/.
Businesses and entrepreneurs can find out more details about the expanded range of support available through WECA’s Growth Hub website: www.wearegrowth.co.uk.
Main image provided by YTKO
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