Business & Enterprise Development

Our Pre‑Start Support is designed for anyone with a business idea — whether it’s fully formed or just a spark. We help you explore your vision, build confidence, and develop the foundations you need to move forward. This stage is all about clarity, learning, and practical steps. You’ll gain the knowledge, tools, and personalised guidance to understand your idea, test its potential, and prepare for a successful launch. No experience is required; just your ambition and willingness to grow.

What you’ll receive:

Initial Assessment — Understand your business idea, your readiness, and the support you need.

Business Training — Build essential knowledge in Business Awareness, Business Planning, Marketing, Financial Management, and Legal Responsibilities.

One‑to‑One Mentoring — Develop a comprehensive business plan with personalised mentoring and guidance.

Specialist Start‑Up Support — Work with consultants to build the tools and systems you need, including:  Website development, IT systems and processes and Financial management systems.

Networking Opportunities — Connect with other entrepreneurs and local partners at our business events.

Access to Finance – We provide guidance and referrals to trusted finance partners, helping you understand your options, strengthen your financial readiness, and overcome barriers to securing the funding you need to start your business.

Our Start Up Support pathway is designed for entrepreneurs who are ready to begin trading or who have recently launched their business. We help you establish stability, build capability, and grow with purpose. Through tailored guidance, practical tools, and ongoing monitoring, we support your transition from early trading to confident, independent operation.

What you’ll gain through Start‑Up Support

Business Registration - Guidanceto help you register your business entity, whether as a sole trader, limited company, or social enterprise, ensuring you start on the right footing.

Steady, Measurable Progress - Monthly monitoring helps you strengthen operational stability, improve decision‑making, and build problem‑solving capacity as your business develops.

Introductions to Local Networks and Partners - We connect you with local suppliers, partners, and support networks to help you establish your presence and unlock early growth opportunities.

Increased Productivity Within the First 6 Months - Start‑ups typically show clear improvements in revenue generation, customer engagement, and operational systems. A 6‑month assessment helps identify growth potential and address any barriers or challenges that may arise.

Expanded Networks and Visibility - Access to regular networking events enables you to build partnerships, connect with peers, and increase your visibility in the local market.

Our Existing Business Support pathway is designed for businesses already trading and looking to stabilise, improve systems, or overcome operational challenges. Depending on your needs, you may receive light‑touch support or medium‑intensity support to help strengthen your foundations and prepare for future growth.

Business Diagnostics or In‑Depth Business Assessment - Gain clarity on your strengths, gaps, and growth opportunities through a structured diagnostic assessment. For in-depth business assessment, businesses identify pathways for growth, innovation, and market expansion through a detailed assessment.

Access to Business Information & Opportunities - Receive relevant updates, resources, and signposting to support your business development and sustainability.

Expanded Networks and Visibility - Attend regular Business Network Events to build partnerships, connect with peers, and increase your visibility in the local market.

Operational Improvements - Access specialist support to enhance your day‑to‑day operations, including:

• Systems, processes, and digital tools.

• Marketing and customer engagement strategies.

• Financial management support to improve record‑keeping, pricing, and sustainability.

• Peer learning and business buddy schemes to share knowledge and stay accountable.

Access to Finance - We help you prepare the right documents and connect you with trusted finance partners so you can secure the funding needed to sustain and grow your business.

For businesses demonstrating ambition and the capacity to expand, our Growth‑Ready Support pathway provides high‑intensity, specialist guidance designed to accelerate scaling. This support helps businesses increase turnover, create jobs, and enter new markets with confidence.

Strategic Action Planning & Regular Check‑Ins - Work with our team to implement a structured, results‑driven action plan focused on:

• Entering new or larger markets

• Improving systems and operational processes

• Adopting new technologies and digital tools

• Increasing productivity and market reach

• Receive regular check-ins to ensure momentum, accountability, and timely problem‑solving.

 Specialist Growth Support & Referrals - Access expert support through trusted partners and regional growth pathways, including:

• Regional growth programmes (e.g., BGWM) to accelerate scaling

• Finance and investment readiness

• Marketing, branding, and customer acquisition

• Export and international trade development

• IT, innovation, and digital transformation

• Sector‑specific expertise tailored to your industry

Business Network Events - Continue to expand your professional networks, partnerships, and collaborative opportunities through regular networking events that increase your visibility and market presence.

Ongoing Account Management - Dedicated account management helps you stay on track, overcome barriers, and achieve long‑term growth outcomes. This ensures your business remains focused, supported, and ready to seize new opportunities.

Use of Business Hubs - Boost productivity, creativity, and innovation by accessing our fully equipped Business Hubs at The Highlife Centre. Our hubs provide flexible spaces and tools to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

What our Business Hubs offer:

• Workspace and collaboration areas, including: Catering Kitchen, Hair and Beauty Space, Music Production & Podcasting Studio, Hot‑desking Space, Training & Workshop Rooms, Business Registration Service.

• Digital tools and equipment to support planning, content creation, and business operations.

• A supportive environment designed for creativity, collaboration, and scaling your business.