Community boards join forces to encourage new businesses in Bucks

Business and Economy, Democracy and Local Affairs

Five Buckinghamshire Community Boards have joined forces with Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF) in an initiative to encourage and support small business start-ups.

Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) is a new initiative funded by High Wycombe, North West Chilterns, South West Chilterns, Beaconsfield and Chepping Wye and The Beeches community boards in partnership with BBF.

The scheme aims to help small businesses to get started by offering the opportunity to sign up to a range of tailored support in the form of:

  • Online workshops and seminars
  • One to one sessions
  • Access to networking events and resources
  • Advice and guidance from industry experts
  • Business support

Councillor David Watson, Deputy Chair of the South West Chilterns Community Board, has been actively involved in setting up scheme and encouraging other boards to sign up. He said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone thinking of starting up a business in Buckinghamshire. We know that many businesses and local areas have suffered during this pandemic but with the vaccine rollout offering hope on the horizon, now could be the time to start that new venture.

“For anyone starting out a new small business, it can be a daunting prospect so that is why we have created this initiative. We can offer support and advice for those who need it. We are committed to supporting all our local businesses and to rejuvenating our local towns and neighbourhoods.”

Councillor Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health said: “This is another great example of the work our community boards are doing at a local level to support local people and areas. In partnership with BBF we hope to be able to help a variety of new businesses get off the ground, all of which will benefit our communities and the people who live there.”

Buckinghamshire is home to one of the highest number of successful small and medium businesses in the country.

To find out more on the Be Your Own Boss scheme visit: www.bbf.uk.com/byob