Be Your Own Boss!     

The Be Your Own Boss campaign, organised by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Growth Team, will take place at The BIS in Whitby Street from Monday 20th January-Friday 31st January.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Chair of the Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the local economy and as an authority we are committed to providing an environment where they are able to prosper and grow.

“Often people dream of launching their own business but don’t actually know where to start. By drawing on the knowledge and expertise of members of the Economic Growth Team based at The BIS, we aim to help them turn their dream into reality.”

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves with Caron Auckland, Hartlepool Borough Council's Enterprise Manager, at The BIS.

During the first week of the campaign, people will be able to drop-in for free advice and support (9am-4.30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 24th January and 9am-6pm on Tuesday 21st January). Booking is not required.

On Saturday 25th January, The BIS will be open from 10am-1pm for 30-minute one-to-one appointments. These need to be booked in advance.

Week two of the campaign (27th-31st January) will comprise a series of events on specific subjects, including book-keeping, launching and growing an on-line business, how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to build a new business and bringing a business idea to life with a Start Up Loan from the Business Enterprise Fund. Some of these events require advance registration.

For more details of the campaign, including how to book/register for events, go to www.investinhartlepool.co.uk/news/be-your-own-boss/