Business Course & Resources
If you are exploring setting up your own business, but don’t know where to start, we are here to help. Through our Enterprise Support Programme, we can support you to reach your goals.
When starting a business it is often the case that you ‘don’t know what you don’t know’. We have tried to bring everything you need to know under one roof, giving you the necessary knowledge and understanding you need to launch a business and trade confidently. We know how overwhelming it can be for a business owner at the beginning of their enterprise journey, and so we are here to walk you through the key areas and set you on the path to success.
We work with a wide network of partners, including Local Business Support Organisations, Charities, Governmental Bodies, and other Not For Profits, to deliver our programme of support to aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the region and beyond.
BCDF Enterprise Support Programme
The BCDF Enterprise Support Programme consists of courses and workshops running throughout the year to address a range of common challenges for small and medium sized enterprises. The four elements of the offer are split into two main areas prioriting training for new businesses and access to finance or investment for growing business. Support is designed to cater to those with some existing knowledge of business or finance, and those with no prior experience. Combining both independent remote learning and face to face workshops, the support prioritises accessibility and flexible delivery. We regularly work with the long term unemployed, excluded minorities, refugees and other vulnerable groups.
Our Offer Includes:
1. Complete Business Start Up Online Course
– Independent Online Learning Delivery
– Continual Open Enrolment
2. Complete Business Start Up Workshop Series
– 4-Week Workshop & Mentoring Delivery
– Monthly Cohorts
3. Intro to Business Funding & Finance
– One Day Workshop Delivery
– Monthly Cohorts
4. Investment Readiness Boot Camp
– Workshop & Mentoring Delivery
– Monthly Cohorts
This one-day intensive workshop outlines the funding journey for businesses at all stages, introducing the different types of finance and investment available, and their various uses. It also provides guidance on eligibility criteria and the steps towards investment readiness needed to successfully access funding.
A mentoring clinic of tailored support for those looking to access commercial finance or investment, with a practical focus on investment readiness and preparation. This personalised one to one support looks at creating compelling loan applications and perfecting investment proposals to create the greatest chance of being awarded funding.
Client Feedback
Hannah – ‘It was great to learn with a group people all in the same in the boat. We are all unsure about different things and we are all at different stages but it has been comforting to know that I don’t need to have it all figured out to put one foot infront of the other.’
Bea – ‘It has been extremely helpful. This has been my second business training course. I did a different one earlier in the year but this has been far more holistic and I got way more out of it. It has helped me to pinpoint a few things and identify gaps that I need to address. The templates and frameworks have given me something to base my plans off and make progress. I am excited to push my business forward now that I have a better sense of direction.’
Caitlin – ‘I have found the frameworks useful to collate my thoughts. I have been looking at starting a business for a long time and planning my exit from my career, but have not felt ready. Having all the template materials and being able to work through them in order has been really useful to me and given me clarity.’
Evan – ‘One thing I’ve found really useful is working through the pricing models and finances. This is where my weaknesses lie, so that’s been really valuable. I can’t wait to get this off the ground!’