Starting on 4 March, Kirklees Council is launching a new Start-Up Business programme offering free support for new businesses. The programme is open to all businesses in the Kirklees area who have been trading for under three years. It will offer a variety of free support to help small businesses take the next step.

The Start-Up Business programme includes a 121 meeting with a specialist advisor, online workshops, support navigating council services, fact sheets, property search support, and 8-hours of mentoring for eligible businesses.

As an added bonus, businesses who join before the end of March 2021 can also get a FREE 12-month membership to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), which includes legal guides and support, as well as nationwide events and workshops.

Councillor Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:

“Small businesses are vital to the local economy and we want to support as many as we can to help them recover and thrive, especially during these difficult times. 

“This Start-Up Business project is an excellent opportunity for new businesses in Kirklees and sits perfectly alongside the business support that we offer for more established businesses. We want small businesses to know that the council will help you.”

Anyone interested in the Start-Up Business programme should contact startupbusiness@kirklees.gov.uk or visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/startupbusiness for more information. Please be aware only applications made before 31 March are eligible for the bonus FSB membership.

Visit their website to find out about all of the business support on offer within Kirklees or sign up for our Business news emails for information direct to your inbox.