>Do you have a big idea for starting a business in heywood

 

In his recent book ’Business Stripped Bare’, Sir Richard Branson said, ‘The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all’.

Being brave and making decisions is a key characteristic of entrepreneurs. It is not about taking crazy risks but carefully analysing the opportunities. Opportunism and sensible risk-taking marks out successful businesses and entrepreneurs.

Following on from the great success of the Dragon’s Den and other entrepreneurial start-up competitions, the BBV Business Support Team in Heywood is running a new business competition to find the next great business start-up in Heywood. Have you got what it takes? Are you motivated and willing to take sensible risks? Are you prepared to listen to advice from experienced business mentors? With these qualities and skills, combined with our support and assistance, you could join the many hundreds of successful businesses we have helped to create over the past 25 years.

The Business Support Project in Heywood is funded by the NDC and aims to raise awareness of entrepreneurship and provide practical support services to Heywood residents who are considering the opportunities for self-employment and starting up a new business.

The Business Competition gives all Heywood residents a chance to win a total of £5,000 prize money to help develop their business ideas. The winners will also have the ongoing support of the Heywood Advisory team.

> Who Can Enter?

Anyone who proposes setting up a new business in Heywood in 2009 whether as a sole trader, partnership, limited company, or social enterprise.

If you need some assistance with completing your application you can make an appointment with our Business Adviser or attend one of the business planning workshops.

We strongly advise applicants to take advantage of this opportunity. Even if you do not win the competition you will have the benefit of discussing your idea in confidence with an experienced Business Adviser and accessing all the help and support that is available to new businesses.

> Guidance notes

To make a success of your new business venture you need to know what is involved in being self-employed - from developing a business plan to meeting legal requirements and raising finance.

BBV can provide all the help you need to get your venture up and running, helping you plan for success and to establish a sustainable business.

You can attend one of our workshop events and have an individual appointment with our experienced Business Advisers - free and confidential. This will provide all the information you need to know about starting up in business and self-employment as a realistic option.

> Let’s Talk Starting in Business

A full day’s workshop aimed at people intending to start trading within four months which provides an in-depth view of business requirements and preparing the all important Business Plan and
Financial Forecasts.

> In-House Business Advice

Every business is different and needs individual advice and mentoring to succeed. Our in-house Business Advisers, Chris Beckett and Nina Khan are on hand to provide one-to-one advice sessions to help your business. Chris and Nina can be contacted at the TOPS Business Centre in Heywood - tel: 01706 362152.

Regular business mentoring is what people value most when setting up a new business venture. Mentoring covers everything from help with planning and researching your business, preparing the Business Plan, introduction to business networks and organisations, and constant encouragement to help you reach your goals. Mentoring can also provide an impartial but experienced sounding board to test your ideas.