Start Smart Roadshow

The Start Smart Roadshow in Rochdale

The Start Smart Roadshow was in Rochdale on 7 November with free advice for anyone looking to set up a business and become their own boss.

The roadshow, run by the Business Growth Hub and NatWest, saw dozens of local people engaging with advisors to find out more about all aspects of setting up their own business – from accessing finance and writing a business plan to advice on where to find further help on specific topics, workshops and master classes.

Growth Start Up Manager Janine Smith said: “We were delighted that there are so many people in Rochdale who are interested in setting up their own business. So many visitors to the bus have told us how they’ve dreamt of setting up their own business for years but just assumed that there would be too many barriers in their way or didn’t know where to go for the advice and support to help them achieve it. We came here to show them that there is a lot of great support out there – from accessing finance including Start Up Loans and writing a business plan to mentoring and marketing - that can help them to start to make their dream of being their own boss a reality.”

Heather Waters, Enterprise Manager at NatWest Business Banking, said: "The bus and our collaboration with the Business Growth Hub really illustrates how public and private companies are now working together to give small businesses the opportunities, expertise and support they deserve.

"We had a great response from the people of Rochdale and look forward to working with them on setting up and growing their new businesses."