IA2358 Start Up Scheme for Staffordshire

In July 2020 the County Council commissioned a new start up service for one year to complement existing start-up courses available in Staffordshire There are a considerable amount of people facing an uncertain future, despite the robust nature of the Staffordshire economy. Many of these people are likely to be skilled in many different ways.

The Start Up programme will be available for any good business idea, but the focus to join the programme will be on Staffordshire's priority sectors as shown below: Digital sectors. Innovation relating to climate change.

Agri-tech. Manufacturing including food tech.

Engineering Advanced materials. Professional Services Hospitality and leisure sectors.

Innovation relating to health and care incl. Med Tech and Health & Safety.

The County Council now wishes to commission a further two years of start-up training to start on 1st July 2021. The service provided will cover all areas of Staffordshire except for Stoke on Trent and will be eligible for all individuals who wish to establish a new business within the boundaries of Staffordshire.

The following is a list of the minimum requirements of the scheme a. Awareness Session (basics of starting a business, taxation, businesses planning) b.

Masterclass Session (cash flow forecasting, personal survival budgets and marketing) c. One to One with a Business Adviser (bespoke start-up advice and financial planning) d.

Networking Sessions (quarterly seminars, workshops, and networking sessions e. Ongoing support through their first 12 months of trading The County Council would require the following outputs to be met by the Provider of the Start Up Scheme: a. 1000 individuals a year affected by Covid 19 engaging with the programme provider b. 300 individuals a year affected by Covid 19 starting on the programme c. 200 new enterprises a year being created across Staffordshire d. 75% three-year survivability rate a year for those new enterprises