One week left for small businesses in Swindon to apply for help

One week remains for Swindon small and micro-businesses to join a new, free-to-access, business growth initiative called The Foundry, based in The Workshed.

Applications for the first round of this initiative close on 1 August and successful businesses will receive free 10 weeks of free office space as well as complimentary business advice and mentorship.

The first programme runs between September and November.

Duncan Robinson, Business Growth Advisor for Outset, said: “Small and Medium sized businesses account for 99.9% of the UK’s business population and is a clear indication of the important role small businesses continue to play in our economy. We’re here to help all businesses at all stages. From small and micro businesses already trading and are looking at ways to expand, to people that just have a great idea and don’t know where to start.

“If a business owner is only hearing about us after the closing date- don’t panic! The Foundry is on a rolling programme with new businesses entering every three months, this way we can help as many of them as possible. People can still apply via the website and will be considered for the next cohort going in from December to February.”

Created by Business Start-Up experts Outset, The Foundry aims to provide ambitious business owners with the support they need, but who may otherwise be unable to afford or access it.

A spokesperson for the initiative said: "Not only will an Outset business advisor be on site throughout the programme, providing a valuable drop-in support service, but they will also get the chance to work alongside other small businesses."

Networking events and workshops will be hosted by the partner organisations and are also free to attend.

Members from The Workshed, Swindon Borough Council, Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, SETSquared, Metro Bank, Monohans, Thrings and Tech Spark, will be providing legal, accounting and technical help to give the businesses all the information they need.

There is space for 20 businesses to join each programme and anyone interested can apply by downloading an application form via www.theworkshed.co.uk/thefoundry/, by email  info@thefoundryswindon.org or by calling 0800 917 1179.