FREE guidance and support on offer to those interested in starting their own business

Entitled ‘Getting Started In Business’ and taking place on Wednesday 2 October, from 5pm to 7pm, the event is aimed at anyone interested in becoming their own boss, whether they’re looking to turn a hobby into a business venture, have been dreaming of starting their own business for some time but don’t know where to begin or have just taken their first steps in business and are looking for more support. Whatever stage of their journey people are at, this free event will introduce them to the wide range of advice and support on offer, from free workshops and events to help with securing grant funding, and much more.

Members of the Opportunity Goole team, which is funded by Goole Town Deal, will be on hand to chat to people about the support they can provide. Meanwhile, Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services team, which is part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, will offer guidance on all the things people need to consider before starting a business.

Local business owners who have previously accessed funding and support will also be in attendance to share their own personal stories, including Lexy Kelly, who opened The Lounge Paradise Tearooms and Bar on Paradise Place in Goole almost two years ago.

Lexy received guidance from the Business Support Services team shortly before launching her new venture, explaining: “A few months before I opened the tea room, I attended a business support event at Goole Library that gave me much more knowledge, helping me with my business plan, budgeting, the legal requirements and employment law.

“It was a lovely welcoming atmosphere and I met some really friendly, helpful people that I’m still in contact with now. It’s great to know that I can access help and information from the Business Support Services team easily, whenever I need it.”

Councillor Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This free event is about empowering local people to embark on their journey towards becoming their own boss and I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to go along, even if you only have the seed of an idea at this stage.

“We’re seeing more and more businesses choosing to invest in Goole and there’s a wealth of free support, guidance and grant funding available to help those who do, from the friendly and knowledgeable experts in the Opportunity Goole and Business Support Services teams. Come along and take advantage of the free support on offer; take your first steps towards turning your dream of launching your own business into a reality!”

One of eight projects funded by Goole Town Deal, Opportunity Goole provides easy access to information about local job opportunities, training provision, business support and more to anyone over the age of 16 years, regardless of whether they’re employed, unemployed or retired. The team’s role is to help local individuals gain the knowledge and skills that they need to secure employment, and ensure that employers can recruit local people with the skillset that they’re looking for.

Part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services team offers a comprehensive package of support to businesses, from events and workshops to one-to-one advice and help identifying sources of funding. It also manages The Supply Chain Network Supplier Directory, which was created for businesses to showcase their products and services, and a Resource Portal, where businesses can find a wide range of free information, tools and templates. The team is also able to signpost businesses to other support providers and draw upon the expertise of colleagues in other departments across the council, such as planning, licensing and environmental health.

• For more information about Opportunity Goole and the other projects funded by Goole Town Deal, visit www.gooletowndeal.co.uk.