BUSINESS START-UP TRAINING COURSE

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has for over the past ten years run the BSUS (Business Start-Up Support) project for Cumbria. We are now looking to refresh and expand delivery of our start-up course which will run until 31st March 2025. This course will operate as part of wider start-up projects, supporting start-up activity throughout Cumbria for new and young businesses, including potentially activity funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund and/or other funders.

Our requirement is for an individual(s) on a self-employed basis or an organisation to deliver a series of start-up courses, with each course covering as a minimum: • Why consider self-employment (pros & cons) • How and why to turn a hobby into a business • Premises v home working • Employing people • Business planning & financial forecasting • Marketing, digital marketing, social media, promotion, sales and pricing • Bookkeeping, record keeping, business banking and credit control • Running a sustainable and ethical business • Relevant legislations and insurances

We will consider both in-person and online delivery or a mix of both.

You will be required to: • Design and deliver the course and provide any course materials, branded in line with Chamber/CBGH and UKSPF or other funder requirements • Ensure clients participating in the courses fully complete all relevant paperwork • Work with the Chamber's business support team to generate interest in attending the courses and engage people in signing up for support • Where appropriate to client needs refer into the wider support offer

Your submission should cover as a minimum: • Demonstration of the capability, capacity and experience to carry out these activities • Details of who will deliver the courses, clearly describing their relevant skills, knowledge and experience - please include a CV(s) • An outline of course structure and content including length of delivery and number of days • Your approach to tailoring of delivery, within the generic courses, to specific client needs (for example addressing disability issues) • Demonstration of understanding the needs of start-up businesses in your chosen area(s) • Fee per course (to cover your time including all presentation and course materials but not the venue or any refreshments which will be arranged separately by the Chamber) ). If you wish to bid also for this please show this element separately. • Areas of the county you wish to be considered for (if in-person delivery) • Two relevant references

Submissions should be sent by email to Lesley Robinson [email protected] marked 'Confidential - Tender Enclosed - Start-Up course delivery' to reach us by no later than 12noon on Friday 15th September 2023 with the intention for successful/unsuccessful responses being sent week commencing 25th September 2023.

Additional information: Submissions should be sent by email to Lesley Robinson [email protected] marked 'Confidential - Tender Enclosed - Start-Up course delivery' to reach us by no later than 12noon on Friday 15th September 2023 with the intention for successful/unsuccessful responses being sent week commencing 25th September 2023.