SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SPARKS OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL START-UPS

More than just a shopping event, Small Business Saturday falls this year on December 7th. The day allows the Liverpool City Region to celebrate small businesses across local communities, giving small business owners and entrepreneurs a chance to be in the spotlight. 

Most of us have, at some point, had an idea for a good business. But for those who want to take their idea and make it a reality, the question is where to start? We’ve gathered some information to point local budding entrepreneurs in the direction of resources to help them get their ideas off the ground. Start small and think big, here you go:

Entrepreneurs Surgery

Gary Millar, the former Lord Mayor of Liverpool, delivers a surgery providing advice and mentorship to entrepreneurs. Tap into his and his support team’s knowledge at the weekly drop-in at Central Library [https://liverpool.gov.uk/libraries/business-services/] in William Brown Street. Other surgeries run at the library’s Business and IP Centre, including sessions on copyright and contract law, patents, and business websites. 

Vibrant Hub

Next up is a gem in the city: The Women’s Institute on James Street. They describe themselves as ‘a vibrant hub of innovation and creativity in the heart of Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle’. They run a constant programme of courses and training. An example is Entrepreneurship 4 All [https://www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk/how-we-help/entrepreneurship4all/]- a FREE digital platform to help hone business skills.

From Unemployed to Self-Employed

What about if you are unemployed? If you are claiming benefits, you and your venture might qualify for the 12-month ‘start-up period’. Universal Credit claimants will get support from a work coach trained to support the self-employed. Your UC payments will be based on your monthly earnings; the good news is you won’t have to look for other work during the initial 12 months.

Start-Up Grind

If tech is your thing, listen up! Startup Grind is the world’s largest community of start-ups, founders, innovators, and creators. And there is a rapidly growing local chapter hosting regular events. From pitch practice, fireside chats and social occasions, you’ll be inspired by and connected to some movers and shakers. Join the local start up and tech community [https://www.startupgrind.com/liverpool/] to make friends and gather fresh perspectives on what you are trying to achieve with your new venture.

Funding Hurdles

Getting the money to start a business can be a significant headache for a start-up. Search the Liverpool City Region’s Growth Platform [https://growthplatform.org/] for funding, as well as support and services to help you get your brainchild off the ground. 

There are Govt-backed start up loans [https://apply.startuploans.co.uk/s/register] available for a broad selection of business types. Other ports of call include banks and venture capitalists, with the the latter often bringing advice and expertise as well as money.

Networking

Never underestimate the power of networking! Your local Chamber of Commerce delivers resources, networking and workshops. Hundreds more regional business events can be found on websites, including Eventbrite and MeetUp. 

And don’t forget the online platform LinkedIn to raise your profile. Practical help, advice and perhaps even an investor could all come flooding in. Throw yourself into becoming skilled at ‘working the room’ or creating a standout online presence. Connecting with other entrepreneurs is a good way to learn from some of the same mistakes they have made along the way.

Invest In Yourself 

Continuous learning is vital for business success. Attend workshops or courses related to your industry or join training programmes to enhance your skill set. This will improve your expertise and provide excellent networking opportunities. 

Consider finding a mentor [https://www.mentorsme.co.uk/] who can guide you through the challenges of entrepreneurship. They can offer advice, share their experience and potentially open their network to you. 

The final word goes to The King’s Trust (Formerly the Prince’s Trust), which has supported more than 90,000 young people in starting a business. It offers its free Enterprise programme to 18-30-year-olds in the Liverpool City Region, featuring workshops on finance, marketing, business planning, sales, and more, as well as one-to-one support to create a business plan and launch your business. They also provide opportunities to apply for grants and funding.

Good Luck!