North Somerset Business Support Programme

North Somerset Council's Economic Development Service provides a range of business support services and is looking to secure ongoing business start-up advice to local residents to build on previous work to increase survival chances for new businesses in the area. The Council has as part of a consortium of unitary authorities and support agencies, secured additional funding to expand current provision in the area through direct provision locally and additional support from a number of partners across the West of England. The support will provide impartial advice to those considering starting up a business and to include newly formed businesses as a way of improving their survival chances over 12 and 36 months. The purpose of this service will be to provide advice and general support to new start businesses, covering all needs for starting up a business and developing beyond initial start-up. This service will provide advice and guidance to those seeking to set up a business or social enterprise. This will be responsive to specific needs of those individuals and groups of people and will include general advice and early support on such matters as business planning, sources of finance, and getting started. Access to additional expertise and resources will be available from a range of partners through the EWoE project to support the delivery of the service. The Contractor will use the resources available to provide support, including assistance to social enterprises, women's enterprises and to provide support for innovation.