Chamber tasked with finding next generation of entrepreneurs

THE Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is using a Regional Growth Fund initiative to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The Start & Grow project is being run by Business Venture, the chamber’s business support department.

Anabela Ferreira, who manages a team of business advisers, job coaches and administration staff at Business Venture, said: “By encouraging a new generation of start-ups we will ultimately help to create jobs within the region.”

Business Venture has within the past year, helped 200 people into employment.

Under Start & Grow, which follows on from a previous scheme – Ready for Business – newcomers will be provided with advice on how to establish a business and leading on from that, will then be guided through the next three years with the aim of creating a sustainable enterprise able to make a long-term contribution to the economy.

“Age is no barrier to joining the programme – and neither is the type of start-up that is proposed, just as long as it is legal!  But we ask that people be dedicated in their approach in order that we can provide a package of support that is tailored individually for each applicant,” added Ms Ferreira.

“We expect those who will be the most successful will be highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate very clear growth potential and who will be looking to employ from the earliest possible opportunity.”

Nationally, Start & Grow is expected to have created 2,400 jobs by the time the programme ends in March, 2017.

For further information contact Business Venture on 0121 450 4235 or email: venture@birmingham-chamber.com