Start Up Programme
Our comprehensive start-up programme is designed to meet the needs of modern businesses operating in a competitive environment. With a focus on business model design, brand development & revenue generation, we can help get you off to a great start. If you are a start-up business in Staffordshire, you may be eligible for a fully funded place.
What the Programme Offers…
Business Training Sessions
We offer 10 online training sessions on a wide range of business topics, accessible anytime with downloadable templates to work through. Once you have enrolled you will receive the password to access the training.
2-Hour Masterclasses
We offer a range of in-depth masterclasses covering everything from SEO, grant funding applications and contract law.
1-2-1 Coaching & Mentoring
Up to 90 minutes with 1 or 2 business advisors of your choice, covering a range of subjects from marketing, to sales, to HR and finance.
Online & In-Person Networking Events
We are running a range of online networking groups as well as in-person speed networking events across Staffordshire.
NEW VentureKit Business Plan
If you are starting from scratch without a business plan, our Business Advisors can work with you to utilise our AI Tool VentureKit to develop a comprehensive draft business plan that will save you weeks of independent research & writing and enable you to launch your business faster.
NEW Discounts on Start Up Tools
We negotiate discounts with providers of start up tools on your behalf. Take a look at our list of partners.
Mentor Matching Service
Connect with experienced professionals through our mentor matching service, designed to pair you with the perfect mentor to guide your career growth and personal development.
NEW LinkedIn Community
Join our LinkedIn community to connect and collaborate with other new business owners in Staffordshire.
Comprehensive Digital Marketing Audit
We offer a 5-point digital marketing health check where we will give you bespoke tips to improve your presence, and free comprehensive website health & SEO reports.
NEW WhatsApp Community
Join our WhatsApp community to connect and collaborate with other new business owners in Staffordshire.
Discover your Founders’ Success Score
Get a detailed score & report on the strengths of your business plan including:
Executive Summary
Market Analysis
Value Proposition
Business Model
Product or Service Offering
Marketing & Sales Strategy
Operations
Finance
Risk Management
Founder Aptitude & Resources
The report will be sent straight to your inbox, with a link to book to discuss the results with a business advisor.
Online Training Sessions
Our Modules
Our online modules enable learners to access key information they need to run their business, anywhere, anytime, and revisit it as many times as they need.
The modules are designed to consider all learning styles, with integrated activities and guides.
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Vision and mission
Understanding the problem
Articulating the solution to the problem you solve
Defining target customer
SWOT analysis
Financial viability & pricing models
Market research
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Market positioning
Key messaging and your golden thread
Brand Identity – the brand prism
Considering your tone of voice and brand aesthetics
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Cash Flow Forecasting
Personal Survival Budgets
Loan Application Guidance
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Your digital presence
Selecting the right platforms
Social media marketing / content pillars
What the numbers mean, and which matter
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What is a personal brand and why is it important?
Defining your personal brand
Activating your personal brand and championing your business
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Personality types - Disc
Communication with different types
Consultative selling
Closing deals
Managing expectations
Negotiating
Having difficult conversations
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Securing venture capital
Funding and grants
Additional business support within the local area
Grant search and writing considerations
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Legal basics
Recruitment
Team Building
Management Structures
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Insurance requirements
Getting the right contractual terms in place
Compliance
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Confidence building
Building resilience
Creating and maintaining healthy boundaries
Work-life balance and impact of healthy routine
Upcoming Masterclasses
This masterclass teaches you SEO fundamentals including website health, domain authority, back links, how to optimise your static pages, and how to optimise blog posts to help you rank better for your search terms.
7th Feb, 2025 10am-11am
LinkedIn Marketing with Kathryn
This masterclass teaches you how to set up and optimise your LinkedIn profile to enable you to better network, build your personal brand online, and build relationships with potential customers.
Date & Time TBC
Grant Fundraising with Joanne
This master class covers the types of grants available and how to write your application to improve your chances of success.
Date & Time TBC
Growing Confidence in Sales Techniques with Richard
Date & Time TBC
Many people starting out on their business journey feel really anxious about the idea of having to sell. This master class aims to improve your confidence with your sales process and approach and find a method that feels natural to you.
Enrol Today
Enrol Today
Full access to our start-up programme funded by Staffordshire County Council for eligible businesses.
Hear from other business owners in Staffordshire
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“I have had one-to-one support from Kathryn and have found it invaluable. She is very supportive and has adapted her support to meet my needs. She is very knowledgeable in her field and has lots of tools at her disposal. Alongside the practical business support, Kathryn has also helped me with my mindset and has shown me where to best focus my energy in order to grow my business effectively.”
Wendy Miller
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“Kathryn genuinely cared about my business and gave me a far more in depth dive into the progression of my business than I ever expected. Our conversations put me at ease around something I truly felt quite clueless about. I have a number of things to work on and can’t wait to go away and put it all into practice. I highly recommend getting in touch with Kathryn, even in our brief time together I learned SO much and am excited about the future.”
Anna Louise Powell
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“We had an intense workshop with Kathryn, in which we really examined who our target audience is, current and future opportunities and our expectations for a timeline. We’re really happy with the all the support we received. Kathryn is clearly an expert at what she does (we’re definitely not!) and we felt that she listened to what we had to say and created a plan with us.”
Anthony Roscoe
Frequently asked questions
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You need to be a Staffordshire-based business that has been operating for less than 2 years. You can also be in the pre-start up stage and exploring a business idea that you have had.
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Please either complete our enquiry form our download our editable pdf application form and return to info@thenextgen.co.uk.
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You can engage as much or as little as you like with the programme, however we would ask that you engage as much as you can and keep in touch with us throughout your business journey. We will expect that you provide feedback and updates into the future.
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Yes, we are aware that not all businesses that would benefit from the programme will fall under the criteria for public funding at this time, so we have created an option to self-fund.
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Yes, you can take advantage of ongoing mentorship with our providers however you may have to self-fund additional support.
Apply for a place on the Start Up Programme
For more information, or if you have any questions please get in touch with our customer service team using the contact details below.
info@thenextgen.co.uk
01785 526 010