Small companies and social enterprises in the Dudley borough have a few days left to register for one-on-one business advice as part of the council’s Small Business Week which runs from Monday November 28 – Friday 2 December.

As part of Small Business Saturday, Dudley Council has teamed up with experienced local business owners and business consultants, to offer dragon’s den-type events for new or existing organisations, to pitch their business ideas to experts. 

These include Steve Parker, of ICD International Company Development and business advisers from Access 2 Business, Sweda and the Prince’s Trust. The event is coordinated by the council’s Business Starts Here team, located in Dudley Library, which provides a free advice signposting service for people looking to set up a business in the borough.

The ‘Ideas and Innovation Dens’ are aimed at people with new ideas for products, looking to set up a new business, or those considering expanding or changing the direction of their existing one.  

Everyone who pitches will receive immediate advice on viability, strategy, tactics and possible networking opportunities.  Some organisations will be selected to gain extra publicity.  In addition, one lucky winner will receive a further £1,000 of further in-depth business advice. Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said:

“This year we decided to take a highly practical approach to Small Business Saturday by adding real value to small businesses and potential businesses in the borough by offering these business dens.

"Some workshops are nearly fully booked so I would recommend people who haven’t yet booked their place to do so.

“This is a great opportunity for both established businesses and those considering launching a new venture to get expert advice before they take the next step.”

One of the business experts taking part in Small Business week and a brainchild behind the idea is Steve Parker, of ICD International Company Development. Steve said:

“This is exactly the sort of support that I wish had existed when I was setting up my first businesses. I am grateful that trusted successful business colleagues, who are actively involved in business on a daily basis, are contributing their time for this exciting new initiative.

"We will ensure that experienced professionals who have specialisms relevant to those who are pitching are present on each day so that everyone who takes part can get tailored advice.”

The Small Business Dens are taking place from 10am – 1pm at:

Halesowen Library – Monday November 28

Dudley Library – Tuesday November 29

Savoy Centre, Netherton – Wednesday November 30

Brierley Hill Library – Thursday December 1

Stourbridge Library – Friday December 2.

Businesses can book a slot, on a first-come, first-served basis, through eventbrite.co.uk by Friday 18 November 2016.

In addition, on these days staff from Dudley Business First, the council’s business support service, will host drop-in business clinics to answer any immediate queries.

The week will be crowned on Small Business Saturday itself, December 3, with a Teenage Market in the Moor Shopping Centre in Brierley Hill.