New businesses invited to launch in Corner Emporium
Would-be businesspeople bursting with ideas have a golden opportunity to make their dreams a reality.
They’re being offered a rare chance to let their fledgling businesses take off in a prime town centre location, with bags of back-up support, advice and expertise thrown in.
They’ll be following in the footsteps of a number of enterprises which are establishing themselves following a stint in the Corner Emporium.
The unit, ideally situated at the one of the busy entrances to The Mall, is already home to its second batch of start-ups, but space is still available for a few more newcomers to take part for shorter-term test trading periods (1-4 weeks).
The initiative received its very own Royal seal of approval last month when HRH the Prince of Wales was guest of honour at the official opening ceremony.
Middlesbrough Council joined forces with West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust and a group of businesses led by Greggs, in collaboration with Business in the Community, to create the Corner Emporium to help new business in the town.
New retailers can apply for rent-free retail space, with successful applicants getting an invaluable opportunity to market test their enterprise and a business coaching package to assist with development and growth.
Benefits for successful candidates include:
- 1-4 weeks rent-free retail space
- Professional or business development support
- Branding and PR package aimed to raise awareness and attract customers
- Dedicated support to help find suitable premises at the end of the incubation period
A number shorter-term test-trading periods will also be availabe in the Corner Emporium ranging from one week to a maximum of four weeks.
Those eligible must meet a number of criteria:
- Only new retail businesses will be considered; businesses currently operating from rented premises are not eligible
- 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.
Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “We know the Corner Emporium works because the businesses who have already been through the process have told us what a difference it made.
“New businesses need a lot of help in these tough economic times, but the Corner Emporium has shown that with the right support and incentives, they can get off the ground and survive.”
The current project will run until April 2012.
Interested retailers will be asked to complete an application form, present a business plan or proposal and supply two written references.
Find out more
For further information contact Project Officer Jade Taylor on 01642 729569 or email jade_taylor@middlesbrough.gov.uk