Free business skills programme for pre-starts

A business skills programme for people who are interested in starting their own business and who would like information, advice, guidance and support in putting together a business plan and learning about the skills needed to run a business is due to start in the next couple of months.

It is a free, one day a week over eight weeks, training programme with group sessions and individual support that allows you to test and research your business ideas and develop a marketing and business plan.

The programme, facilitated by the Women’s Enterprise Initiative, takes place at the Employment Links Centre, 99/101 Drake Street, Rochdale OL16 1PZ and will cover:

• How to do market research to help you to decide whether your business idea is a good one
• Deciding who your customers are and how to find them
• Ways of marketing and selling your products or services to your customers
• How to find out about any laws affecting your business
• Finance, including budgeting and bookkeeping and where to go for money to start your business
• Where to go for more help and support in running your business

The programme is free, including all course materials and refreshments.

Help with travel and childcare costs is available.

You must be over 18, unemployed and live in the Rochdale Borough to be eligible for this course. Places are limited.

For more details contact Jane Glaysher-White on 01706 646471.