How to start up your own business

Applications to become part of Renfrewshire Council’s creative business start-up programme have opened.

InCube’s start-up Create programme is an opportunity to launch or grow your own business in retail, fashion, textiles, jewellery and crafts.

Winning entrepreneurs will receive a package of support including office and meeting space, free IT, video conferencing and Wifi for up to nine months.

They will also have access to funding, advice on e-commerce, branding, website and social media and access to workshops on how to grow your business.

Applications are now open and close on Monday, February 11.

Applicants will be invited to pitch in front of a panel on Thursday, February 21 and winners will be announced the following day.

The programme starts on Wednesday, February 27.

Successful applicants, called InCubees, will attend the core programme for up to two days per week with hot desks/business development space available a further three days per week on an optional and pre-bookable basis.

The core programme will be delivered over six months with workshops delivered by industry experts and a variety of sessions including Inspirers sessions, workshops, mentoring and business planning sessions.

Individuals and/or businesses who want to apply should be based in Renfrewshire or considering setting up in Renfrewshire, have a business bank account and be able to commit to attending the core programme of two days a week.

Sole traders, social enterprises, partnerships, limited liability partnerships and limited companies are all eligible.

To find out more or to apply, go to incube.ren/incube-competition-2019/