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15 May - Mentoring opportunity at the Corner Emporium

Middlesbrough Council's exciting Enterprise Arcade project is looking for another retailer to move into the thriving Corner Emporium

Middlesbrough Council's exciting Enterprise Arcade project is looking for another retailer to move into the thriving Corner Emporium.

An additional unit has been created, creating a golden opportunity for an up and coming entrepreneur to get their business idea off the ground.

The Emporium - ideally located at one of the busy entrances to The Cleveland Centre - is helping fledgling businesses take off in a prime town centre location, with bags of back-up support, advice and expertise thrown in.

It's a great opportunity for new retailers to test-trade their business idea for free and receive a business-coaching package to help the business develop and grow.

The package includes:

  • Up to three months' free retail space
  • Access to individual professional or business development support
  • Branding and PR support to raise awareness and attract customers
  • Dedicated support to find suitable premises following the incubation period

Also included are an internal refit, external decoration to the premises and project branding.

The purchase of stock will be the responsibility of the business and they will also be responsible for taking out their own public liability and stock insurance.

To be eligible:
  • Only new businesses will be considered
  • Businesses currently operating from rented premises are not eligible to apply
  • All occupants must agree to participate in an individual development programme. This may be formal or informal depending on particular development needs but will involve regular monitoring and review points.

Businesses will be expected to be ready to move in to the unit as soon as possible, to ensure they gain the maximum possible benefit over the remaining period of the scheme.

Interested retailers will need to complete an application form, present a business plan or proposal and provide two written references.

The Corner Emporium will also be taking part in Give And Gain Day with Business in the Community on Friday, May 18, in which volunteers from businesses all over the UK give a day out of work to help support projects in their local area.

In Middlesbrough the board of directors at Greggs have agreed to spend a couple of hours giving advice and support to Corner Emporium retailers, discussing areas including retailing, marketing, supply chain, human resources to help them support and grow their businesses.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: "The Corner Emporium has already helped a number of businesses find their feet, and there's another great opportunity to take advantage of the scheme.

"New businesses need a lot of support, particularly in tough economic times, and this initiative is giving them the best possible start."

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