Support for Local Businesses
Intensive Start Up Support (ISUS)
Delivered by Blue Orchid (External link) this project delivers a flexible programme of business support available to residents and businesses in Wigan Borough specialising in start up as well as post start businesses trading for less than 3 years, offering advice, workshops and training supported by a programme of planned and targeted events. The clients are supported from initial concept through to business planning, cash flow, business set-up, and trading and growth plans.
Programmes will be delivered locally and across the region and available for the first three years of trading, with one to one business advisor support throughout the journey.
For more information, visit the Blue Orchid website (External link); email wigan@theblueorchid.co.uk or phone 01942 862 832.
Gateway To Growth
Wigan Council has introduced a 'Gateway to Growth' programme of support that consists of information and professional advice and support for local people looking to develop a business idea. In addition, there is also the opportunity to apply for a start up grant of £1,000.
To be eligible for this programme, the business must fall into one of the following business sectors and satisfy further eligibility criteria stipulated by Blue Orchid:
- ICT/Digital
- Creative/Digital/New Media
- Manufacturing/Engineering
- Environmental Technologies
- Waste
- Food and Drink (not retail)
- Construction - low carbon economy.
For more details on the Gateway to Growth programme of support, please contact Blue Orchid directly on 01942 862832 or by emailing Startup@theblueorchid.co.uk