£5k to £150k Available Now

The Shropshire Business Investment Fund offers alternative business investment for businesses in the Shropshire area who have encountered difficulties in securing loan finance via traditional sources.  Business loans from £5,000 to £150,000 with flexible terms are available for start-ups and for investment in business expansion.

The fund has been set up by Shropshire Council and Impetus to provide local finance to grow the Shropshire economy.

Email info@impetus-marches.co.uk or call Barry Jones on 07768 103393

Shropshire Council Welcomes new Ambassador

Shropshire Council is pleased to announce Matthew Bulley - Managing Director at Caterpillar Shrewsbury Ltd as the latest business leader to be invited to join the Shropshire Business Ambassador Scheme.  Read more here.

Start Up - Shape Up

The Marches Business Support Project (Start Up - Shape Up) will be coming to an end in December.  If you are looking for free business support through clinics or workshops book your place now!  Last remaining dates:

6th and 7th November - Telford (2 day workshop)

10th and 11th November - Bridgnorth (2 day workshop)

17th and 18th November - Telford (2 day workshop)

24th November - Shrewsbury (Clinic)

1st December - Bridgnorth (Clinic)

2nd and 3rd December - Telford (2 day workshop)

Planning for Business Success Breakfast Event

'Join Shropshire Council for a presentation by Tim Kidson on the absolute essentials for business growth, together with representatives from a variety of organisations presenting on ways to boost your business success'.

Taking place on 20th November.  For more information and to register click here.

Fully-funded business growth programme open for applications

Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses is an innovative fully funded programme targeted at owners of small businesses and social enterprises across the Midlands with clear ambitions to expand.  Attend a Preview Event to find out more. Book to attend.

Small Business Saturday - 6 December 2014

In Shropshire we want all kinds of small businesses to get involved, so whether you're a family business, local shop, online business, wholesaler or small manufacturer, Small Business Saturday is supporting you!

There are lots of ways to get involved.  Download the digital pack from www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com.

Business Development Drop-in - Bishops Castle

Thursday 13 November 4.00 - 6.30 p.m. @ Enterprise House

We are assembling a wide range of support and business funding options at Enterprise House.  Please make a note in your diary and drop in to the IT Centre where we will have representatives from several organisations.  

There is no charge but please email Mike Ashwell mashwell@bishopscastle.co.uk if you wish to attend.

Mark your calendar 17-23 November 2014

Global Entrepreneurship Week takes place 17 - 23 November. 

Come and take part in events throughout the week and get connected.

Click here for list of activities.

Free consultancy business review and £10k revenue grants

70 businesses have already benefitted from an independent business review conducted by the Universities of Wolverhampton, Worcester and Staffordshire.  These reviews identify the most suitable source of funding or further advice to assist businesses in the area to grow.  Find out how your business could benefit - view our short film by clicking here.

Deadline for next grant funding round: 10th November

To find out more call Business & Enterprise on 01743 252596

The Optimising Business Broadband (OBB) project is gaining momentum and its reputation is creating quite a buzz on Twitter @obbshropstaffs and LinkedIn: optimisingbusinessbroadband with constant FREE tips for SMEs to increase growth and business turnover.  Please take a minute to follow us.

FREE events, FREE webinars, FREE downloads, blogs with tips and case studies are all available on the website