Business and enterprise hub to launch at council’s office and retail complex
A business and enterprise hub is to be launched by the City of Wolverhampton Council.
With the aim of inspiring start-ups, growth and supporting people into employment and training, IGNITE (Innovate, Grow, Navigate, Ideas, Technology, Entrepreneurship) will be located in units 3 and 4 of the Council’s i10 office and retail complex.
Free co-working and meeting spaces, alongside virtual and physical events and training sessions, will be provided for people to receive advice and guidance.
In addition, the hub will support the Council’s £3m Wolves at Work 18-24 programme to tackle youth unemployment in Wolverhampton.
Council leader, Cllr Ian Brookfield, said: “With 97% of businesses in the city employing less than 50 people and following the end of the furlough scheme recently, the full impact of the pandemic is still to be seen.
“The need for more joined-up business support is critical and by working with partners to establish a business and enterprise hub in the city, the council can maximise the reach and impact.
“We initially submitted an application to the Community Renewal Fund for Government funding to support local business growth but this was unsuccessful. This has meant the council stepping in to accelerate the delivery of the IGNITE hub, which we view as a priority to support our businesses and residents.”
Funding was approved on Wednesday for the fit-out costs for the hub which is expected to open in spring 2022.
It will be run in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton and Black Country Chamber of Commerce to join up the business support infrastructure in the city.
