Worthing’s fledgling firms offered support during the first year

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting fledgling firms through their first year of business is being launched in Worthing.

The Start-Up Hot House programme will provide specialist advice to new entrepreneurs over a twelve month period, starting with an intensive two day boot camp and backed up by specialist knowledge workshops, peer group reviews and one to one coaching.

The sessions are led by the University of Chichester in conjunction with Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce and the boot camp will take place in Worthing on Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th September.

Tina Tilley CEO Worthing and Adur Chamber commented “we are pleased to be able to support delivery of this program which we feel has been missing in our area for some time. If you are in the early stages of a business this support is crucial to future success”

Paul Dallibar, Programme Manager at the University, said: “If someone has an idea for a business, or has recently started a new company in the Worthing area, our programme can provide the expertise to successfully guide them through that difficult first year.”

“We were keen to provide a programme based in Worthing because of its entrepreneurial population. The district is home to a highly skilled workforce and this along with other factors has  led to Worthing being ranked highly for business competitiveness.”

The boot camp is aimed at providing a clear focus for the business with the knowledge workshops providing information on a range of disciplines including; the legalities of running a business, raising finance, tax and national insurance, marketing, digital media and building a team.

The Hot House programme is supported by Regional Growth Fund (RGF) money which allows this level of support to be provided at a 90% discount to the market price.

 Mr Dallibar added: “Whatever the idea, the Hot House programme includes a range of stimulating and challenging business and personal development activities that are ideal for people from all work and educational backgrounds.
  “Whether you are in the early stages of running a business or thinking of starting one, this is the ideal opportunity to shape your ideas without the pain of writing a detailed plan.”

Applications for a place or more information on the Start-Up Hot House programme are available at www.chi.ac.uk/hothouse.
Or contact Paul Dallibar at p.dallibar@chi.ac.uk or call 01243 793 528