The council is urging people to show their support for City of Wolverhampton businesses in the build up to Small Business Saturday on 2 December.

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The national day of action highlights the success of small and medium enterprises and looks to inspire others to set up their own business.

City of Wolverhampton Council recognises the importance of having access to 'seed' funds, to assist fledgling businesses to take those first steps. 

The latest successful applicants of Enterprise Grants will receive their cheques tomorrow (Thursday), when Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, presents them at the office of city partners, Access to Business, in Tempest Street.

The recipients are Desroy Harvey (painter and decorator), Aasha Devi (bespoke gift packing service), Vanette Jones (Caribbean food business), Danny Wint (security training), and Community Interest Company, Appreciate U (assisting elderly residents with opportunities to reduce social isolation).

Councillor Reynolds said: "The council is supporting Small Business Saturday and encouraging people to shop locally. It is important to support any initiatives that help independent traders in our city - particularly in the run up to Christmas.

"Having independent retailers and businesses in the city is vitally important to the city's economy and offer in attracting visitors. We have a wide variety of small and medium enterprises in Wolverhampton, all offering a unique and friendly service that we are all keen to support and see grow.

"I would encourage everyone to visit our small and medium businesses this Saturday and do your bit to support your city."

Advice is available for start ups and small to medium businesses all year round from the Type=links;Linkid=6399;Title=Black Country Growth Hub;Target=_blank; based at the Wolverhampton Science Park.

In July, hundreds of entries were put forward by city businesses for the inaugural Wolverhampton Independent Retail Excellence (WIRE) Awards, commissioned by the Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence, and led by Wolverhampton Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the council.

The awards celebrated and praised the entrepreneurial spirit, dedication and hard work of those involved in running and managing a successful independent business, as well as recognising the loyalty and dedication of the staff that work in this sector.

Chris Bourne of Eterno Clinic & Spa, King Street, has praised the work of the BID: "As a small business, we have been very pleased with Wolverhampton BID (Enjoy Wolverhampton) in general.

"Some of the initiatives introduced, such as funded procurement of energy suppliers, has saved us money and we have received support with marketing and promotional activities.

"We feel as though we have received very good value in return for our annual levy."

The government is also highlighting the support it has on offer to small businesses and entrepreneurs: Type=links;Linkid=9908;Title=Get in Go Far;Target=_blank;, Type=links;Linkid=9909;Title=Start-up Loans;Target=_blank;, Type=links;Linkid=9910;Title=Business Support Helpline;Target=_blank;, and Type=links;Linkid=9911;Title=Export support;Target=_blank;.

Festive shoppers and local businesses can enjoy the benefits of free parking in Wolverhampton city centre on a variety of days in the run up to Christmas. For more details visit Type=links;Linkid=9913;Title=Enjoy Wolverhampton;Target=_blank;.

  • released: Wednesday 29 November, 2017