Starting up including franchising, social enterprises and market trading
Information
a. Manchester Library has a range of resources that can help you develop your ideas and business plans: market research, statistical resources, trade and business directories, patent searches, intellectual property advice, fact sheets and director briefings. Most are free of charge.
Visit Ask about business online, email businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk or ring 0161 2341991/3.
b. Business Link is the Government's free information service for people that want to set up their own business.
Visit the Business Link website, email info@businesslinknw.co.uk or ring 0845 6009006.
Advice and support
c. The Intensive Start Up Support (ISUS), delivered by Blue Orchid, is a flexible programme of one to one business support and training workshops for people who are considering self employment or starting up their own business or social enterprise. We also support new businesses trading for less than 3 years.
For more information please call 0161 341 0245 or email startup@theblueorchid.co.uk
d. FranchisingWorks supports unemployed people and those facing redundancy in starting a franchise. Loan support may be available. To book a place, please contact events@theblueorchid.co.uk or call 0161 3410245.
To find out more about FranchisingWorks contact robert.dancy@franchisingworks.org.
e. The Co-operative Enterprise Hub is a free service that provides advice, training and access to small grants or loans to help people set up and run a co-operative.
Visit the Hub, email enterprise@co-operative.coop or ring 0161 2463020.
f. Market trading can be a career in its own right but is also an affordable and flexible way to start running a new business. Visit Manchester Markets to find out how to become a market trader.