SME support scheme launches in Bristol offering specialist help to women, young people and social entrepreneurs
A new support service for businesses and people looking to set up a company has launched in South Bristol.
The South Bristol Enterprise Support (SBES) service is available for residents looking to start a business and existing businesses looking to grow.
The project will support any sector of business but will include specialist advice for construction companies, digital firms and food businesses. It will also provide specific support for young people, social entrepreneurs and women.
Bristol City Council is leading the initiative, which also involves Knowle West Media Centre, The Princes Trust, School for Social Entrepreneurs, and business support organisation YTKO.
The support offered includes pre-startup training packages, bursaries, access to workshops and digital manufacturing technologies at Knowle West Media Centre’s creative innovation space The Factory, support with product development, grants, business coaching, and a review of business needs.
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: “We’re really pleased to be launching the South Bristol Enterprise Support service with our partners to give entrepreneurial activity in South Bristol a boost, particularly during this difficult time.
"Working collaboratively with key city partners is going to be vital to the recovery of Bristol, and SBES will help to help people from all walks of life who have brilliant ideas to turn them into thriving businesses.
"I would encourage anyone in the area who wants to become part of a growing community of local businesses to apply.”
SBES is being part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).
Penny Evans, strategic lead for Knowle West Media Centre, The Factory, said: “We’ve been based in South Bristol for many years and we know that there is talent and creativity in abundance here – but many people haven’t had the opportunities or support to realise their ideas.
"We’re looking forward to supporting people who want to become part of a growing community of maker businesses – no previous experience of digital manufacturing or design will be required.”
Tim Bowles, West of England's metro mayor, said: “A creative spark or a new idea can come to any of us at any time, but no-matter what your age or background, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help to turn that idea into a business.
"That’s what South Bristol Enterprise Support is designed for. It gives tailored support to help people strike out on their own and seize the opportunity to turn that into a thriving business.
"SBES will form part of the expanded regional Growth Hub support to help businesses through Covid-19 and I’m thrilled to see it launch with support from the West of England Combined Authority.”
For more information or to apply for support, visit www.sbes.org.uk
I’m a diversity consultant and a design and communications consultant. I help people and organisations develop vision, communicate and deliver cultural change.