Free support for businesses those considering setting up their own enterprises across the South East of the Wakefield District is on offer.
A flexible package of free support has been made available to help businesses access a range of services, including advice on funding opportunities, training and assistance to explore new markets.
Free business support
The support is part of the PEAT (People Enabling Area Transformation) Project, which gives local people the chance to shape their community and help improve opportunities for local businesses.
Those who live in areas such as Hemsworth, South Kirkby, South Elmsall, Kinsley & Fitzwilliam and Havercroft & Ryhill can access help for a broad range of support.
The PEAT Project is led by Wakefield Council, which is working with strategic partners, including RCP21.
Funded by the European Structural and Investment Fund, it provides grants to organisations, groups and businesses to deliver projects that will:
- Fuel community and business growth;
- Support enterprise and;
- Help those furthest from the labour market access opportunities.
RCP21 has partnered with Wakefield Council to offer business support to both existing and new enterprises, as well as those considering setting up on their own. Our extensive range of support comes under our SEBLO project banner, which stands for South East Business Lift Off.
Our experienced team, which includes business leaders who have extensive knowledge of running small and large enterprises, will be offering a range of services under four schemes. To be eligible for SEBLO support, businesses must be trading within certain postcode areas, while potential entrepreneurs should be living in those areas.
Supporting Existing Enterprises
Small and medium-sized businesses that currently trade in the South East of the Wakefield District or those considering relocating to the area can access this scheme.
To qualify, your business must be an SME, which means it has fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than €50 million.
The support package is flexible but can include training; health and safety support; help to explore new markets and marketing advice.
Supporting New Enterprises
Businesses that have been registered with HMRC or Companies House for less than 12 months are eligible to apply for support under this scheme.
Help accessing funding opportunities, recruitment support, mentoring and HR advice is among the areas the SEBLO project can provide assistance. The package includes 12 hours of support with a business support adviser from RCP21.
Assisting Potential Entrepreneurs
Starting a new business is exciting – but it can also be daunting if you are unsure about what steps to take. The Assisting Potential Entrepreneurs Scheme will help anyone over the age of 18 by providing free practical support to explore business ideas.
Those who are successful will be given flexible support, which could include help to prepare a business plan, advice to access funding opportunities and what they need to know to become self-employed.
Eligible people must be resident within the qualifying postcode areas and commit to 12 hours of time with an RCP21 adviser.
Access to Business Mentors
Everyone who has set up a business knows there are times when a new opportunity or issue arises that you have little or no experience in.
The fourth SEBLO scheme gives business owners free access to experienced mentors to help you avoid mistakes and increase your chance of success. RCP21 has access to a wide range of mentors who will have knowledge and experience to share and we are also linked to other mentoring service providers.
Businesses in the eligible area will be able to link with a mentor and take part in workshops led by mentors on common areas of interest to all SEBLO participants. You must already be engaged in one of the three other schemes to access the business mentors. For more details check out our PEAT Project page.
If you would like to start or grow your business, then contact us to find out if your business is trading in – or you live in – the eligible postcode areas. You can contact us on 01977 651624 or email Nicola Parker at nparker@rcp21.com or Karen Harrison at kharrison@rcp21.com
