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"I’d like to turn my hobby into a business. I think my idea is strong but I don’t have a clue how to take the next step…"
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The first two years of starting a business are the most critical. This is when most business failures occur. We aim to prevent this happening by offering you a full package of advice, guidance, training and support. This will give you the foundations you need to establish, build and develop your business successfully. |
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You need more than just a great idea and determination to get started in business. You need to know about tax, advertising, finance and more. It’s this gap Croydon Enterprise is filling, with a project delivered by Croydon Adult Learning and Training (CALAT).
Courses are free and will be held wherever there is enough demand. You can choose from a range of courses from how to prepare a business plan and carry out market research, to book-keeping, advertising and funding.
Call CALAT on 3020 8684 4592 to find out more or visit: www.calat.ac.uk
We provide free start-up workshops offering hands-on support in various areas of business such as pricing, the legalities of setting up a business and business planning.
For details call the Croydon Enterprise business hotline during office hours on 020 8680 6161
Just call the Croydon Enterprise business hotline on 020 8680 6161 and ask to speak to a business advisor to find out what help is available and how you can access it.
Financial support is available to help businesses grow.
- Test trading grants – up to £250 to test your product, kick start your business or buy a new piece of equipment
- Croydon Enterprise Loan Fund – funding sources for people seeking anything from £2,001-£50,000. This package will help you put a proposal together.
Support and advice is also available and you could even be offered a mentor to help you manage your business idea. Also included in this scheme are our Business Angels. These are a group of business investors willing to invest more than £50,000 in local entrepreneurs. If you are looking for this kind of investment you would need to pitch your idea to the Angels.
For further information on any of these schemes, or to find out which type of funding is best for you, call the Croydon Enterprise business hotline on 020 8680 6161.
This purpose-built centre in New Addington aims to help local builders get the skills and training they need to carve out a career in the trade and also gain employment.
The centre provided by Croydon College offers a wide range of ‘hands on’ activities helping people to develop new building skills and broaden existing skills at the same time as helping to develop their enterprise flair. Support will be given at every step to make sure individuals have the confidence and skills necessary for success.
The 12-week programme focuses on the primary skills of bricklaying, carpentry and plumbing, and is taught by staff with industry expertise. Participants will also receive an industry-recognised award (CSCS card) enabling authorisation to work on construction sites. Short courses are also available.
For further details call the BE Centre on 0800 023 2354.
Croydon’s entrepreneurs now have free, instant, online access to the enterprise information they need to start or expand a business.
ORB, our information portal acts as a gateway to a range of useful information for business, including access to COBRA - one of the most important sources of up-to-date business information available. This includes events, business opportunities, market research and much more. The online facility is free for local residents and businesses.
It is hosted by the Croydon Library. If you do not have a Croydon Library Card, you will have to join - an easy process at any library.
For further information call the Croydon Enterprise business hotline on 020 8680 6161
Searching for business premises can be a time consuming and sometimes confusing process. We can help demystify the process with the help of our Business Premises Service, our Business Friendly Planner and our business mentors.
For further details call the Croydon Enterprise business hotline during office hours on 020 8680 6161. |
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