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in to Business
in to Business
If so, our competition is for you…
Hexagon’s web developer, Emerald Design, is running a competition which is open to Hexagon residents, as well as residents of other landlords who use Emerald’s services nationally. Through the in to Business competition, Emerald will provide a funding and support package for two housing association residents who display the desire and ability to set up their own businesses.
The objective is to encourage residents whose landlord is a client of Emerald to submit their business ideas. The most promising submissions will be compiled into a shortlist; and a judging panel drawn from representatives of supporting housing associations and Emerald employees will select the two winners. The selection process will involve face to face interviews where shortlisted applicants will meet the judging panel to explain their submission and “pitch” their idea.
The winners will receive a start up package of equipment and material supplied by Emerald, and the support of Emerald in marketing / business development over a 12 month period.
Winners will receive the following support package:
• Initial set up assistance and guidance – see New Business Starter Pack below
• Business coaching featuring sessions on how to set up and grow a business
• Management consultancy focused on business development
• Ongoing support throughout the first twelve months comprising remote and face to face sessions to review business performance and planning future activities
• Access to online support and guidance notes via the Emerald skills portal to provide 24/7 access to skills/guidance and assessment modules
• Referrals to professional accountants, solicitors, insurers and bankers if appropriate
• Referrals to Business Link and similar organisations
• Advice on marketing, communications and sales planning.
New Business Starter Pack
• Company name and logo
• Domain name
• Brochure website
• Laptop or equivalent subject to the nature of the business start up
• Stationery set – business cards x250, letterheads x1000
• Promotional flyer or small brochure
• Help with identifying and maximising PR opportunities – local papers, radio, online
• Explore possible link to specialist advice
For more information on this competition call:
Antony Dyson on 0161 274 4007 or email antony@emerald-design.co.uk
Jon Fisher on 0208 768 7913 (Hexagon Community Investment Team) or email jfisher@hexagon.org.uk
The closing date for applications is 16th October 2009. Terms and conditions apply. See www.emerald-design.co.uk for details.