Northamptonshire County Council Start-up Business Support Advisors for the Ready2Grow (R2G) Project

Northamptonshire County Council is seeking to procure specialist support to deliver a programme of start-up business support as part of the “Ready2Grow” (R2G) project, an initiative part-funded by European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) and delivered in partnership with the Northamptonshire Growth Hub, University of Northampton, and Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership.

There are two Start-up Business Advisor roles to be procured, one with a focus on supporting young people, and the other with a focus on supporting women and the BME community – all key target groups identified as needing more local support.

Tender responses are invited for proposals covering one or both of the Start-up Business Advisor roles.

The main responsibilities of the successful Advisors will be to:
• Provide 1:1 business advice to new and early start-ups, with a particular focus on disadvantaged groups, supporting them through their journey to establish their own business
• Co-ordinate and deliver engaging and effective workshop sessions, including ‘Self-employment: Is it for me?’ and ‘Business Planning for new businesses’. It is expected that a minimum of 8 workshops will be held per annum.
• Engage with key referral organisations and other stakeholders as required.
• Signpost clients to other available support, and to other relevant parts of the project
• Provide support to applicants applying for the Start-up grants
• Provide expert advice on the suitability of applicants for the Start-up Grants
• Support the delivery of advice on sound business practise around sustainability, equalities and procurement policies
• Maintain accurate records of all business interactions, and ensure that the NGH Customer Relationship Management system is updated and maintained effectively.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting against key performance indicators
• Ensure that the delivery of business support activities addresses all equality duties in The Equality Act 2010
• Deliver the project in accordance with County Council policies and procedures, such as sustainability, equality & diversity etc.
• Participate in and support the work of the R2G Operations Group, to ensure effective delivery of the Start-up programme.
• Attend relevant training associated with delivery of the R2G programme.
• Comply with guidelines on publicity and media relating to delivery of the programme, in line with Council and ERDF policies. .