Page 5 - The Yorkshire Post: SME Toolkit 2019

THURSDAY MAY 23 2019 YORKSHIRE POST
SME TOOLKIT /5 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
SWEET SUCCESS: Tarte and Berry, Farsley-based makers of hand-baked artisan treats, is one of the young companies to benefit from AD:VENTURE’s support.
Take our tips for the top
BUSINESSSUPPORT:TheAD:VENTUREprogrammeisacceleratingbusinesssuccess byofferingpractical guidance, workshops and growth grants to companies that have been established for three years or less.
YOUR CHANCE FOR A HELPING HAND
With AD:VENTURE there is nothing to lose through
making contact with the
team to check eligibility for
the programme, discuss
any thoughts, plans or even concerns about business.
A team of local Business Advisers is on hand to offer impartial feedback and to put plans in place that will help to take an organisation from start- up to success story.
For businesses that have been established for three- years or less and would
like to access the practical advice, workshops, sessions and match-funding from AD:VENTURE, please visit the website at www.ad-venture.org. uk or contact, 0845 5240210 and for regular updates follow @ADVENTURE_LCR.
Once upon a time, not all that long ago, start-up businesses were left to their own devices and expected to learn from the mistakes that they made. While there is still an element of trial and error
with any enterprise, there is also a network of support new and growing companies can access to help with a variety of growth challenges.
AD:VENTURE, funded by regional partners and ERDF, is a business support programme that delivers practical guidance, workshops and growth grants to companies that have been established for three years or less. Having already engaged with more than 1,500 businesses and thousands of individuals from across the Leeds City Region, it is clear that businesses recognise the benefits that programmes like AD:VENTURE can offer.
Professional advice and an extended network
Through the AD:VENTURE programme, those considering starting a business or that have
already taken the plunge can access workshops and sessions that are free of charge and delivered by professionals.
Events cover a range of topics including starting a business, marketing for growth, the
art of selling and social
media masterclasses. There are also networking events bringing the business community together to share experiences, advice and contacts.
Practical support that delivers results
Recognising every business is different, AD:VENTURE has a team of Business Advisers who work one- to-one with companies needing
‘It is clear that businesses recognise the benefits that AD:VENTURE can offer.’
bespoke support. Providing a dedicated mentor, start-ups are able to ask the questions that matter most to them, so that they get advice that is going to allow them to progress
and put the theory they learn into practice.
Whether it is business planning, processes,
legislation or something very specific to a given business, AD:VENTURE Advisers have become
an invaluable asset to a growing number of young
companies throughout the Leeds City Region.
Funding the future
The programme was developed to encourage and accelerate the success and growth of business throughout the region and funding is just one way that it can be used to give organisations the leg up they need.
Working with Business Advisers through the process, businesses can access up to £25,000 in match- funded grants, which can be game- changing for those in that crucial scale-up stage. Offering government
loan products through partners
The Business Enterprise Fund and advice on a wide range of funding and finance products, AD:VENTURE helps businesses to navigate the often complex financing stage.
Feedback from recent businesses
Gordon Lorimer from TimberTight: “We worked with an AD:VENTURE Business Adviser. Not only was he very pleasant but he was a seasoned businessman. In the first instance we expected some hints and tips but what we had access
to was free, professional business consultancy.”
Jane Batham of Tarte & Berry says “The grant support has been so beneficial to our business and has allowed us to capitalise on our growth plans much faster than we ever expected.”
Director at Hydro-flux, Michael Burnham: “Without AD:VENTURE there is no way we could have put our idea into practice. Securing
the grant made all of the difference and we went from kitchen table to furnished offices almost overnight. It was great.”