Posted on Friday 27th January 2023
Philip White
Small businesses up to five years old in Staffordshire can now benefit from free accountancy support thanks to a county council programme.
The Get Started and Grow scheme offers start-up businesses in the county a full package of accountancy support. This includes guidance on how to set up with HMRC, everyday money management, financial planning and forecasting and how to apply for funding or seek additional investment.
In addition to accountancy, the Get Started and Grow programme also offers new and growing businesses branding, website and logo design, cashflow forecasts and business plans – all completely free of charge and completed by local professionals.
Get Started builds on the county council’s existing business support programme which has included a start-up loan scheme, offering loans of up to £5,000, and the Get Started scheme, launched last November to offer marketing and accountancy support to new companies.
The programme launched last year initially supported start-up businesses. Research carried out by the county council found that young businesses looking to plan their next stage of growth needed support.
People wanting to find out more should visit: StartAndGrowStaffs or contact the team at: getstarted@staffordshire.gov.uk
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said:
We have a strong record for start-up survival in the county and our business support programme has provided advice to new businesses in areas where they have less expertise to give them added confidence.
Our research has shown that we need to direct some of our support to step-up businesses which have been operating for over two years.
We believe there is considerable unrealised potential in entrepreneurs across the county, and this fully funded support package will help many small businesses build their sales base.”
Over £4.2million has been invested in Staffordshire County Council’s business support programme.