Member Article

Collaborative business enterprise boosted by SYAC in Sheffield

Sheffield’s position as one of the most enterprising cities in the country has been bolstered by the growing activity of the South Yorkshire African Caribbean (SYAC) Business Centre.

SYAC has worked with and supported more than 200 businesses through training and advice programmes, with approximately 4000 people visiting the centre annually.

Working with the black and ethnic minority communities in driving forward the city region economy, SYAC has been providing support to businesses and individuals for more than 20 years.

It has developed close partnerships with ABDN, Sheffield Enterprise Agency (SENTA), Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Sheffield College.

SYAC assists the city council’s Sheffield Enterprise Programme by organising courses each month for entrepreneurs wanting to start their own business. The training looks at market viability, legal requirements, finances and taxation.

It also sign-posts people to the support services and resources available at SENTA, as well as providing serviced office space for up to 27 companies.

Sheffield’s position as an enterprise city was recently showcased when it was revealed it had the fourth highest number of start-up businesses in the UK, according to figures from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Jabo Higiro, entrepreneur, SYAC director and council member at Sheffield Chamber, said: “Working with the Sheffield Chamber and SENTA allows us to open a lot of doors to a new business. Between us we have a lot of contacts in the city which can benefit any start-up.

“There is significant support, as well as cost-saving benefits, available to anyone wanting to start a business, and we help promote that assistance to everyone who walks through our doors.

“SYAC is open for business to help business through a proactive approach.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Lane .