Watford Borough Council have partnered with not-for-profit
and social enterprise, Wenta, to launch a free business support programme
tailored to the needs of local businesses and residents across Watford.
Published: 14 October 2020
The new programme launched this month, Business Recovery and Growth – Watford (BRG Watford), provides free of charge services including one-to-one business advice, skills training webinars and workshops, access to co-working, incubation space for small businesses and specialist support. The programme is available to all Watford businesses as well as residents that are thinking of becoming self-employed.
Supported by the Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Our small businesses are the lifeblood of Watford’s economy, providing thousands of jobs for local people and making a vital contribution to the success of our town. We know how difficult this year has been for many of these businesses and employees, with uncertainty high and unemployment growing. I would therefore urge anyone who needs support, to contact us as soon as possible and utilise Wenta’s support programme. It’s free and most importantly tailored to your needs!”
For businesses looking to adapt their services and grow, the programme also enables them to access specialist advice for free – this includes topics such as legal, ICT, finance, accounting and marketing. Larger local businesses will be able to access mentoring and advice from other organisations in the Hertfordshire support network too such as Watford Chamber, Watford BID, Hertfordshire LEP and Hertfordshire Growth Hub.
Setting up their own business in 2016, owners of d20 cafe on Queen’s Road, took advantage of the free support offered through Wenta. Page Adela Costas, Director at d20 said: “We’ve been to quite a few courses with Wenta which have been great; start up courses, finance courses etc. We’ve even been back onto the same courses that we originally did, now that we have a better insight into what we are doing.”
Free incubation workspace for start-ups and small businesses is also available through the programme at Wenta’s business centre on Colne Way – ideal for anyone wanting to work in a collaborative environment with advisor support as well as those unable to work from home. Wenta is operating a COVID-19 compliant, SEE programme across all their workspaces to ensure all government measures are in place and adhered to at all times.
CEO of Wenta, Ed Jordan, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with Watford Borough Council on this initiative. The programme will deliver a very simple, direct and inclusive support service to the Watford community. A one-stop-shop for helping businesses and residents to adapt and strengthen in these challenging times. Wenta was born in Watford over 37 years ago, set up at a time of mass redundancies in order to support the community. Today, our same mission continues, providing free business support to everyone.”
A list of some of the available free webinars and workshops available through the programme can be found below – more are listed on the Wenta and Watford Borough Council websites:
- Starting A Business – Is it for me?
- How to Set Up Your Small Business – The Practical Steps
- Social Media for your Small Business
- Cashflow Management for your Small Business
- Finance and Bookkeeping for your Small Business
- Website Development for your Small Business
- Marketing for your Small Business
To register for FREE support through the BRG Programme, visit www.watfordbusiness.com/recovery, email businessrecovery@watford.gov.uk or call 01923 691 363.
