New tool launched to help Rochdale businesses find the right support and funding

Janine Smith, Director of Business Growth

Businesses across Rochdale now have a simple tool to help them navigate the complex and varied landscape of support and funding, thanks to the launch of GC Business Growth Hub’s Business Support and Funding Finder.

Commissioned by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the new online resource is available to all businesses in the city-region and enables them to find the right support and funding, either delivered by the Growth Hub or one of its many partner organisations.

As well as giving businesses the ability to search and filter results for all publicly funded support relevant to them, the Business Support and Funding Finder will ensure they can make the most of these opportunities by also signposting them to the enquiry team from the Hub, which is part of The Growth Company and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Janine Smith, Director of Business Growth at the hub, said: “It’s a great accomplishment to bring all of these services and resources together in one place to create a unique resource for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

“There are 230 publicly funded programmes across Greater Manchester, which can make it difficult for businesses to understand what is right for them.

“This tool brings together all the support in one place and is incredibly accessible for time-poor businesses – answer a few simple questions online and it will identify the services that are available to you.”

Councillor Elise Wilson, Leader of Stockport Council and GMCA Portfolio Lead for Economy and Innovation, said: “There are many challenges businesses face, especially around having the time and resources to make things happen.

“The Business Support and Funding Finder is an essential new tool for every business in Greater Manchester, empowering them to find the right support or funding opportunity to help them to overcome these challenges, develop their services, upskill their staff and to innovate and grow.”

Nick Shepherd, Business Development Manager at the hub, said: “I’m genuinely excited about the positive impact the Business Support and Funding Finder will have. By answering a handful of basic questions, businesses will be directed to the most comprehensive package of support available, quickly and effectively.

“Our advisors have played a crucial role in developing this tool and will also be on hand to ensure businesses can maximise the opportunities they will find.”

The Business Support and Funding Finder is available at www.businesssupportfinder.com.