New Online Learning Platform for West Cheshire Businesses

The Council set out its priorities for how this funding will be used in an Investment Plan, which was development in line with government guidance and in partnership with local stakeholders and approved in December 2022.

The funding is divided into three broad themes: Community and Place; Supporting Businesses; and People and Skills, which also includes Multiply, the Government’s adult numeracy programme.

The delivery timescale for Year 1 was short, December 2022 - March 2023. However, working with delivery partners, including WCNW Chamber, the CWaC Business Growth Team were able to deliver a mix of business support activities and grants to stimulate entrepreneurship, support new businesses to start, and help existing businesses to expedite investment plans and make transformational change.

To illustrate the value; we were able to support three start-up businesses who all operate solo, but collectively provide a complimentary service for start-ups. Chester based Zena Barrick; Webadoodle web designer offering services specifically targeted at small businesses giving them a platform to grow. Ellesmere Port based Maira Azhar, Brand Photographer captures the essence of you and your business through images and Tarporley based Laura Beckett, Quietly Loud Copywriting services can help you set the tone and bring your words to life.

All three were assisted to secure a small grant, and through attendance at the start-up club have collaborated to support other businesses to access their services some grant funded. Illustrating this project has been a catalyst to support not only their development but enabled them to support their peers; testimony to its value.

There will be more business support activities and grants delivery during UKSPF Year 2 which is due to launch in July. This will build on the activities delivered in Year 1 and support the

In response to feedback and working with business focus groups the CWaC Business Growth Team is creating a dynamic online learning resource for West Cheshire businesses and entrepreneurs.

The Business Tapas website will offer a bespoke knowledge hub that provides support and guidance for those starting or growing their business.

The website will showcase useful, easily digestible bitesize chunks of information, helping the end user easily navigate each topic and apply what you’ve learnt to a business or business idea. The information will cover a range of topics such as marketing and business management. In addition to the original content that will sit on the website, users will also be signposted to additional information that can help them progress their business idea or grow their business.

The website will be highly customisable and engaging, allowing users to tag their interests, like, share and save.

The Business Tapas is due to launch at the end of July, we’ll promote through our online newsletterletstalkbizcw.co.uk.