Budding entrepreneurs invited to gear up for Oldham Enterprise Week

The Oldham Enterprise Trust has announced details of the latest eagerly-anticipated Oldham Enterprise Week, which will take place in the town between March 27-31.

An exciting programme of events and activities will celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Oldham - a town named one of the top ten most entrepreneurial in the UK.

This year’s focus is mainly upon Social Enterprises and includes:

· The opportunity for potential new social enterprise start-ups to get a £250 Test Trading Grant from Oldham Enterprise Trust

· Events supporting existing social enterprises

· Information on the £2million Proper Good Social Investment fund

· Information on Oldham Enterprise Trust’s £1,000 Grants to young Oldham entrepreneurs

The week’s programme also includes:

· Oldham Library’s Build a Business Start Up Coffee Morning

· The Business Growth Hub’s Here for Business Drop In with Oldham Account Manager Eleri Roberts

· The annual Be Your Own Boss programme for the Business and Enterprise students at Oldham College who can pitch for a £250 Test Trading Grant

· The Prince’s Trust “What’s Involved in Enterprise” workshop open to all aged 18 to 30 and thinking of starting a business; and

· The Sounds of the Suburbs debate of the future of live music in Oldham

Oldham Enterprise Chair Dave Benstead said “The little brother of our month-long Festival for Business in September, Oldham Enterprise Week still serves to remind us and highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and the wide range of business support that abounds in Oldham.

"Oldham Enterprise Trust is proud to support the enterprise ecosystem of Oldham.”

Oldham Business Ambassador Frank Rothwell, Latics' owner and chairman, will officially launch Oldham Enterprise Week at the Fox and Pine pub on Monday afternoon, March 27.

He said: “As Oldham’s Business Ambassador I have been out and about visiting Oldham businesses – both large and small and young and old – and have been greatly heartened by the energy, determination, and enterprise of these businesses.

"Oldham Enterprise Week shows that Oldham is “An Enterprising Place” and that an enterprising spirit is alive and kicking in the town.”

Oldham Social Enterprise Ambassador Anwar Ali OBE, of Upturn, said: “What a great opportunity for Oldham’s growing social enterprise community to again be part of what will be an amazing week showcasing social businesses, celebrating our collective business successes and finally highlighting the great opportunities just around the corner for all Oldham businesses working together so we can create an Oldham economy that works for everyone.”

For more information, please contact Oldham Enterprise Trust Manager Graham McKendrick by telephone on 07515 188974, or by e-mail to: graham.mckendrick@oldham.gov.uk

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