Regional launch in Wakefield for West Yorkshire Funding of SMEs and new businesses

AD:VENTURE has secured new funding from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and is taking to the road to help start-ups and SMEs across West Yorkshire turn their business dreams into a reality.

Statistics show that almost 60 per cent of new businesses fail in the first three years of trading. AD:VENTURE provides ambitious new businesses with a tailored programme of support to help to them grow and achieve their full potential.

Starting a new business can be hard and AD:VENTURE has spent the last seven years supporting over 4,112 businesses and 1,989 individuals, approving 709 grants worth a total of £3,621,774, creating 890 additional jobs across Yorkshire.

The high-quality business support service has secured new funding from West Yorkshire Combined Authority. It’s taking to the road with launch events for new business AD:VENTURES in Wakefield, Bradford, Huddersfield, Leeds, and Calderdale, to show local SMEs, and those with a new business idea, what support is available to them, to give their business the best possible start.

The AD:VENTURE roadshow launches at Wakefield Town Hall on 27th September and is aimed at new business owners and SMEs across West Yorkshire, that have been trading for less than three years, with a clear ambition for growth.

AD:VENTURE is keen to welcome business support and intermediaries too, such as accountants, professional services and consultants, to understand what the new look comprehensive programme has to offer new businesses and start-ups.

Clare Elliott, service director for economic growth and skills, Wakefield Council who is attending the inaugural launch event, said: “Supporting entrepreneurs builds the local and regional economy, creating new jobs and increasing skills. With over 25,000 new businesses created in West Yorkshire in 2022, it is vital that we give them all the support that we can to help them navigate that tricky first three years.”

AD:VENTURE support isn’t sector specific; a start-up or new business has to be trading for less than three years but with a clear ambition to grow, recruit and be based in West Yorkshire.

The mentoring and support from business managers are just as important as financial support and many start-ups have come into being because of this, as Ellen Aindow, leadership coach, from & Thrive Now attests: “The AD:VENTURE programme helped me turn my ideas into something real.

“It helped me to recognise that I actually have a business and one that changes people’s lives. The one-to-one coaching and mentoring I received was absolutely invaluable at a time that can be very challenging and very lonely, thank you AD:VENTURE!”

Through AD:VENTURE, start-ups have access to funding and grants from £1,500 - £10,000 and knowledge as well as support from experienced business managers in their local area, to guide them to growth and stability. New businesses are also given a helping hand with access to a wide range of free training workshops such as mapping your customer journey, marketing, strategy, and sales.

The launch of the new-look AD:VENTURE takes place at The Kingswood Suite, Wakefield Town Hall (Wednesday 27th September 8.45am – 12pm). Claire Elliott, service director for Economic Growth and Skills will open the event and introduce guests to the Wakefield AD:VENTURE business managers, Keith Evans and Paige Cottam.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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