Budding entrepreneurs thinking of setting up a business in Barnsley can take the first step with two start-up events.

Specialist advisors will be on hand to offer advice to would-be business owners during two open days in Penistone and at the Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC) in Wilthorpe.
Up to 12 people with strong, eligible business ideas will then be invited to attend six free workshops under the SmartStart programme managed by BBIC and funded through Enterprising Barnsley.

The half-day sessions, to run during September and October, cover all aspects of setting up in business from sales and marketing to leadership and management.

SmartStart was launched in April and is part of the second phase of Enterprising Barnsley, a European-funded business support programme which helped create or protect more than 1,000 jobs in its first phase.

Tim Milburn, chief executive of BBIC, said:  “These free open days are a chance for people to come along and discuss their business ideas in a relaxed environment.  The Penistone event is our first community-based open day.

“There’s no obligation to take things further but if we feel SmartStart is the right way forward then the programme provides a fantastic opportunity for getting business ideas off the ground.

“It’s all about giving people the confidence and capabilities necessary to succeed in business with the final workshop of the series dedicated to one-to-one support.”

People who are already running small new businesses are also welcome to attend the open days for advice and to find out more about Genesis – a longer-running programme aimed at businesses in the first year or two of life. 

Genesis includes intensive business coaching support, technical assistance and business development workshops.

Both SmartStart and Genesis are aimed at businesses with growth potential and are part of the e Enterprising Barnsley programme which is supported financially by the European Union. The project has attracted £2,259,511 investment into Barnsley from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe's support for the region's economic development, through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.

The first open day takes place at The Waggon and Horses pub and restaurant, Oxspring, on September 6th, from 1pm to 7pm. The second takes place at BBIC on September 11th, from 10am to 4pm.

For more information and to book a place visit www.businessstartsatbbic.co.uk