Coventry University Enterprise

New business support programme launched for region’s entrepreneurs

Coventry University Enterprises has launched a brand new support package for budding entrepreneurs that could significantly boost the survival rate of start-ups in the region. For the first time, the University’s commercial arm is offering individuals with a business idea in Coventry and Warwickshire assistance in getting their company off the ground right through to the first few years of trading.

Under the Business Enterprise Works programme, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund, applicants can sign up for mentoring, start-up training and a range of workshops and networking opportunities. There is also access to office space at Coventry University Technology Park. Project manager Robin Underhay said that a major strength of the programme was its flexibility to meet the needs of individuals. “It’s alarming how many new businesses fall by the wayside simply because the support isn’t there – but we can help,” Mr Underhay said. “Our goal is to provide high-quality business support services that will help entrepreneurs and growing businesses, at every stage of their development, fulfill their potential. That’s why we’re asking people based in the region to get in touch with us.”

Coventry University Enterprises has already helped more than 300 new businesses. Mr Underhay said that this latest programme would bolster their reputation for business support. “We want to create a culture of interaction with each business,” he said. “That means working closely with individuals wishing to start their own business or become self-employed, as well as those in established businesses, by drawing up the best possible combination of our different services.”

In January, the Business Enterprise Works programme was rolled out to businesses at Nuneaton’s Eliot Park Innovation Centre.

For more information, please contact Business Enterprise Works on 02476 23 6001 or business-enterprise@cad.coventry.co.uk