An enterprise support scheme aimed at start-ups and new businesses with significant growth potential has been launched in Bradford.
Rising Stars is part of a wider enterprise programme being delivered by Bradford Council and Bradford Chamber of Commerce designed to strengthen the local economy and create more jobs through business growth.
Business advisers will offer guidance and mentoring as well as advice on accessing other specialist assistance, funding and investment.
It is expected that the scheme will target assistance at around 750 businesses, about five per cent of the total in Bradford, which are judged to have the best prospects for high growth and job creation.
Key ambitions will be to:
- improve the technology base through expanded research and development
- bolster companies' understanding and involvement in supply chains
- increase the value of exports from the Bradford district.
Councillor David Green, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Regeneration and Economy, said: "These are challenging times for businesses but there are still opportunities to become stronger, more competitive and ultimately grow and create jobs.
"The Rising Stars scheme will help deliver the long-term support for that to happen. The scheme won't be suitable for every company – we are looking to support those with significant high-growth potential.”
Key district business leaders were recently briefed on the scheme during a meeting of Bradford Chamber's Business Council.
Stephen Wright, President of Bradford Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director of the Thorite Group, said: "Business support at this time is as important as ever.
"Focusing on firms that can be identified as having the potential for high growth means the support available will be very specific and targeted.”
Rising Stars is part of a major business and enterprise programme funded by Bradford Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The programme includes Kickstart, the community-based enterprise programme which helped more than 1,500 business start-ups in Bradford in the past five years. Kickstart will operate in parallel with Rising Stars and will continue to support people who want to become self-employed or start up small businesses.
Anyone who wants to find out more about Rising Stars should ring 01274 778113, email info@rising-stars.biz or visit www.rising-stars.biz. For information about Kickstart ring 0800 953 9503, email info@bradfordkickstart.com or visit www.bradfordkickstart.com.
