Chamber opens applications for next Small Business Academy
After a successful first cohort, the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce recently launched applications for the second cohort of their development programme designed to boost start-ups and small businesses.
The Academy aims to support the growth of start-up and small businesses by providing workshops, support and accesses to Greater Birmingham business experts from key sectors.
The first Academy was declared such a success by the cohort, which consisted of participants from The Recruitment Duo, Rolling with the Glen, Lexicomm Ltd, Nudge Forward and Desicity- We are the Asian Amazon, that a second cohort is now confirmed to start in September, targeting start-ups and small businesses looking to create a robust structure for growth within a supportive peer group.
The Business Academy is completely FREE of charge to members, offering six half-day in-depth sessions with some of the region's leading experts, giving you their expertise so you can truly fast track your business.
The Academy is ideal for businesses:
- Looking for bite size but in-depth sessions delivered by experts
- Looking to gain new insights to gain a competitive edge
- Started in the last two years and are wanting to create a robust structure for growth
The six sessions planned are:
- Business planning and Growth 29 September
- Financial Forecasting and Cashflow 27 October
- Effective Marketing Strategies 24 November
- Productivity and Processes 12 January
- Closing sales with ease 9 February
- People Management and Mindset 15 March
All sessions will be held at STEAMhouse at Birmingham City University on Friday mornings 9:30am- 12:30pm - the sessions are not about sitting and listening, they are interactive and doing 'work in the room' to make the very best use of your time and have on hand advice.
These are not a series of one off events- it is a programme that you will share with a group of likeminded business owners, access valuable resources, and in between sessions you will have access to peer support and the programme leader.
On graduation from the Academy, you will have the chance to be selected to have two hours of 1-1 mentoring with one of the experts, which will be an opportunity to gain the best eyes on your business.
The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce say the success of the first cohort was warmly praised and they are really looking forward to running the second group.
Anthony Tattum of Leopard Co Marketing Agency, who will be an Expert Speaker at the Academy for Marketing, said: “The Academy is a brilliant programme that attracts businesses from across the region. I'm so pleased to be invited to present the marketing planning module.”
Holly Vaughan, co-founder of The Recruitment Duo, was part of the first cohort of the Academy. She said: “We were delighted to secure a coveted place joining the Small Business Academy, which came at a pivotal time for us. Each session is themed around core business fundamentals, with expert guest speakers leading the sessions which are always interactive, inspiring and create a number of light bulb moments. The opportunity to engage with the experts on a personal basis has proven invaluable to us.
“The Academy has also provided us an opportunity to build supportive relationships and network with other new small business owners, who are all running their successful businesses whilst being 'chief everything officers'. We are very grateful for this experience to train, connect and grow as a result of our Chamber membership.”
Applications for the Academy close on 24 August, and successful applicants will be informed by 5 September or once all places are full. The first session will take place on 29 September.
Find out more information HERE on the Academy and how to apply, or email Jayne Hume at [email protected]
