Voluntary Action Cumbria
Business Start Up Training Programme

Welcome to Voluntary Action Cumbria's FREE business support and training - especially tailored to help new businesses, and those wishing to start.

If you are asking yourself any of the following questions then this programme can help you:

Do I need to research my idea?  How do I do this?
What skills do I need to drive my business idea forward?
How do I find what my customers want?
How do I find a good accountant?
How much should I charge?
How do I promote my business?
How do I work out my break even point?
What's the difference between gross and net profit?
What record keeping requirements do I need?
How do I make my finances work for me?
How do I deal with Inland Revenue and Tax man?
What kind of insurance do I need?

This programme is for women, disabled and disadvantaged people.  It is designed to answer your business needs and prepare your business to flourish right from the start.  The six part course breaks down the main aspects of running a business from trurning an idea in to a viable enterprise, to getting your tax and VAT right.

The programme offers:

Individual advice from specialist business advisors
A six-part training course designed especially for business start-ups.

The course and advice sessions are delivered by qualified business advisors with an excellent track record in supporting new businesses.  They will help you to understand your individual business needs, and support the development of your new business with training and advice specially tailored for your needs.

One to one sessions with our business advisors will help you assess the strengths and weakness of your business idea.  You can then take advantage of further advice sessions or attend the training course, depending on your individual requirements.

The six-part course includes:

An introduction to business - getting your aspirations into a workable model
Market research - how, what and why you find your customers
Marketing - what it is and how to make it best work for you
Business viability - finding your break even point and assessing income and costs
Finance - all you need to know, from how to keep your books in order to dealing with VAT
Practical and legal issues - who your buisness is accountable to, why and how to do it

You can choose to do the whole course, parts of the course or continue support with a specialist business advisor - or both.  The programme is FREE and is aimed primarily at women or people with disadvantage.

The next training course will be running at VAC, The Old Stables, Redhills, Penrith on Monday evenings, commencing at 6pm (aim to arrive at 5.50pm) on 9th June.  Further courses are planned around the country.

What do I do next?

Or if you can't make this course, speak to Kate Brundrett to discuss your business and make an appointment to see a business advisor:

A business advisor will assess your needs and help develop a plan of action

Take part in the training course, or continue individual business advice sessions

Get your business up and running with support from a business advisor

If you are not sure about where to go from here then call Kate to have a chat: 01768  869518 (Tuesdays or Wednesdays) or 07971 683597

The business support programme has been supported by A4e and NWDA