BiG Launch in Burngreave

The Burngreave Business Forum has taken the opportunity to formally launch the BiG ‘Make it your Business’ initiative in Burngreave.  The event, held on Tuesday 20th November at Vestry Hall was an opportunity for people to find out what is on offer for local businesses and new start-ups in the Burngreave area. 

 

Vince Taylor the interim Director for BiG was on hand to introduce the scheme and what benefits it will bring to the already highly respected and successful Burngreave infrastructure. A thriving Vestry Hall crowd was treated to a presentation which spelt out the significance of BiG to existing projects in the area along with extending initiatives. An exciting time for the community to find out how BiG will help new business idea’s or support existing businesses such as one to one support, business advice and financial assistance. 

 

John Clarke the Chief Executive of Burngreave New Deal followed in appreciation of BiG’s involvement and expanded on the overall vision of the area. Mr Clarke commented with pride the achievement in restoring Vestry Hall, with this being the debut appearance of the Burngreave Business Forum (BBF) at the venue. ‘Vestry Hall represents the future for Burngreave, a pivotal building that symbolises positive enthusiasm about the community’ Mr Clarke enthused, ‘with BiG on board, systems and funding are in place to extend the facilities and services we can provide’.

 

Farid Abdulla and Lisa Hughes were introduced as the Burngreave Neighbourhood Enterprise Champions (NEC) for BiG, as NEC’s their role is to be street level, one to one support and encouragement in the community for potential entrepreneurs and self-start businesses. ‘We’re really excited’ said Farid, ‘we will provide the guidance to direct people in the right direction, on an individual level’.

 

Delicious hot local food was available on the night, and following the speeches there was plenty of time for networking. Attendees included inspirational local business men and women and members of the community.

 

Cecilia Shields, programme manager for BiG NECs at Burngreave New Deal explains ‘The current and future local entrepreneurs can really continue to grow and flourish and with this platform we can really communicate what business opportunities are available, right here in Burngreave’.

 

Amanda Wells from the BBF was on hand to plug the Forum as a fantastic and free portal for development and networking in the community. She also managed to recommend the opportunity for people to enter the BIG Idea Competition and the chance of winning up to £100,000 which closes on Friday 23rd November.