Grow your business in Leighton Buzzard? Free advice, support, coaching and grants offered in Bedfordshire
The problem is, where do you start? There are so many things to think about, from developing a business plan to marketing, from finding the cash to invest to doing the books.
If only there was a one-stop shop which could give you a helping hand, and not cost you a penny! Well there is, and it’s available right here in Leighton Buzzard.
People like Sophie Dean, who wanted to turn her small voiceover side-hustle into a proper business venture, have found the perfect package of support on the doorstep.
Thanks to some Government funding to boost the local economy, there is now the Central Bedfordshire Programme, ‘Central Start’ which not only has more than £55,000 to give away in one-off grants by the end of March, but also offers 1-2-1 support, guidance and advice and up to 12 hours business coaching!
It’s all being delivered, on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council by Wenta, a not-for-profit organisation which has helped more than 83,000 businesses since 1983.
We asked Sophie, who provides voiceover narration for businesses worldwide, such as explainer videos, commercials, telephone messages and e-learning, to tell us more about her experience.
Sophie Dean Voiceover
“I was an actor and found voiceover originally as a side hustle to keep working creatively when acting work was sparse,” she said. But she wanted to grow the business, build up a repeat client base and aimed to turn it into a full-time income stream.
She joined a Wenta programme because it could give her just what she needed to develop her business.
Sophie“They offered a wealth of free training resources. The advisors are great and really know their stuff. I was also interested in their networking events.”
She has received match-funded grant that she used towards voiceover coaching.
“The application wasn’t too tricky, there were some things I didn’t know how to fill out in the business plan but I got full support with that,” she says.
“The coaching I had was invaluable and I have learned techniques that I apply every day in my voiceover work. My yearly turnover has increased since having the coaching and I have more repeat clients.”
Let Wenta help you
You could follow in Sophie’s footsteps with your business idea. All you need to do is read the criteria, register your interest and book your free 1-2-1 session with an advisor and they will talk you through everything you need to know.