Member Article

Countdown is on for entrepreneurs to win funding from Bradford’s Rising Stars

Bradford’s Rising Stars pre-start business advisor Linda Griffiths is urging entrepreneurs with a “big idea”to step forward before start-up funding runs out in March 2014.

Rising Stars is a growth programme which is jointly delivered by Bradford Council and the Bradford Chamber of Commerce. It has already delivered 256 new jobs (up to August 2013) and counting.

Former management consultant, business owner and non-executive director of London’s Church House Conference Centre Linda Griffiths is one of six business advisors with Bradford’s Rising Stars business growth team.

With a wealth of business expertise, Linda, who joined in December 2012, focuses on taking entrepreneurs with an idea from concept to launch.

“The fastest we’ve transformed a business from idea to invoicing is just six months,” explains Linda who ran business and management specialists Deep Vision Consultancy with her late husband from 2006 – 2012.

“Over 15% of the entrepreneurs I have been introduced to in just 10 months are now trading.

“Many have aforecast turnover of £500,000 and all are operating out of the Bradford district. It’s an incredibly rewarding task but to work we need business people with the right mindset and a clear business vision.

“For those with the determination to see their business become a reality, Rising Stars has the resources to help make it happen.”

Linda’s business success stories include Shipley’s Northern Monk micro-brewery and Bradford based Canna Enterprises.

CEO Jeremiah Nyachuru of Canna Enterpriseswas quick to praise the work and commitment shown by Linda stating that the company would not be in the same position without the support from Rising Stars.

“She so much believed in our team, the idea and the business and was passionate to start steering us to become a profitable and professional organisation.

“We purposely sought help as alone we cannot build a great business; Linda helped us keep the dream alive.”

Carolyn Coleman, Business Services Manager at Rising Stars, said: “Bradford is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and with the support of our specialist advisers like Linda, the sky really is the limit for a great business idea.

“With a countdown to the end of Rising Stars funding in March 2014, we want anyone with a strong business concept and a structured plan to contact us now so we can get the wheels in motion through funding and guidance to make a dream a reality and, ultimately, support the economy of our district.”

Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Employment, Skills and Culture, said: “Rising Stars has assisted so many businesses to improve, grow and create new jobs in Bradford and the district and we would urge more people to come forward for support.”

For further information about Rising Stars and the Council’s Business and Enterprise Programme visit www.rising-stars.biz.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .