Whether you have an amazing idea, have spotted a gap in the market or have taken a break from your business and are now ready to re-start trading with some fresh ideas, NBV can help you get things off the ground.

The Starting in Business Programme gives you everything you need to know to get your business up and running. Our training course is aimed at people who would benefit from in-depth knowledge on how to become self-employed or start their own small business. This course covers all the skills that you’ll need to start and manage a successful small business.

The three day course is coming to the Harborough District on Monday 31 October, Tuesday 1 November and Monday 7 November at the Harborough Innovation Centre.

Over the course of the programme, we will cover:

• Knowledge, skills, and characteristics needed by business owners.
• Creating and developing a sustainable business.
• Marketing your business
• Choosing the right, trading status for you
• Your legal responsibilities as a business owner
• Overview of all types of business taxes and how they will affect you
• Understanding how the tax system in the UK works.
• Record keeping and business banking requirements.
• Start up and running costs.
• Planning your personal survival budget.
• How to price your product or service.
• Importance of cash flow forecasting in any business.
• Structure of a business plan
• The dos and don'ts for putting any plan together

Leicester City Council and the LLEP are working together to support Leicester and Leicestershire SMEs through current business challenges including the effects of Covid19 and future rising energy bills. With a total funding pot of £250,000 available, local businesses can apply for grants up to £2,500. You should be looking to:

• measure and formulate activity to improve your carbon footprint
• invest in new equipment to improve business performance
• use consultants to improve business performance (for example energy saving initiatives, waste reduction, increasing productivity, marketing etc.)
• invest in marketing services to increase, sustain and grow sales/turnover.

This is a one-off grant of £2,500 for eligible businesses. No match funding is required however, we will be more supportive of applications where the business is contributing to overall costs. 

• Start with the end in mind
• What are your foundations
• Knowing your numbers
• What resources are available to you
• Marketing channels and what is your why

This kind of programme would normally cost over £1,000 but is fully funded for eligible businesses. Find out more and book a place now.

Is your business looking to grow through innovation and development of products and services? Don't miss the Innovation Masterclass on Thursday 17 November, 10am - 1pm at Harborough Innovation Centre to gain insights into the following areas through a masterclass which will be utlising engaging content, case studies and ongoing 121 support*:

• Business model dynamics
• Sustainable business
• Sales and forecasting
• Utilising Earth observation data

*This is for qualifying businesses

This event will provide businesses with the opportunity to bring in resources from the expertise within the University of Leicester's School of Business and Innovation Hub teams. This will enable your business to develop new and existing products, services and processes reaching new markets, doing this profitably and sustainably. We will be showcasing funding opportunities to support projects that are developing innovative ideas, research and development including skills and knowledge that helps your business respond to the market and remain competitive.

Members of the School’s Business Team and University’s Career Development Team will be on hand to discuss additional opportunities such as Help to Grow, internships and placements.

There will be an opportunity during lunch and refreshments to network and discuss new ideas (whilst keeping information confidential where relevant).

Harborough Innovation Centre has excellent, well-equipped meeting rooms and conference facilities making it the perfect space for your next board meeting or training session.

• Available for hire by the hour, half-day or full day
• Rooms can be set up for board meetings, training sessions, interviews or classroom style as required
• Video conferencing facilities available
• Access to on site catering via The Kitchen Café
• Free on-site parking, electric vehicle charging points and dedicated bike racks
• Reception meet and greet service