Businesses in Stafford Borough are being encouraged to think ‘BIG’ when it comes to opportunities to help them grow.

Stafford Borough Council is launching its ‘BIG’ event next month with local enterprises and entrepreneurs invited to come along.

The free event will feature exhibition stands, networking sessions, and speakers who will provide ideas and inspiration to help support business plans. The half-day event will include representatives from the Federation of Small Businesses, Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, Keele University and the national Innovate UK.

A session will also be run on accessing funding and the range of grants that are open for local small and medium size businesses. And there will be the chance to speak with others who have benefitted from grants and support.

The ‘BIG’ day - which stands for Business Innovation and Growth - kicks off at 8.30am at Stone House Hotel, Stafford Road, Stone on Wednesday 3 September. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

You can see more information and book on the event from The BIG (Business Innovation and Growth) Event | Stafford Borough Council

Councillor Ant Reid, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning said: “This is just one of several initiatives that we are rolling out to help our smaller local businesses and entrepreneurs and the feedback we have received has been excellent.

“This is the chance for you to hear from experts and advisers who will be highlighting a range of business support programmes and funding opportunities available across Stafford Borough - as well as network, and learn, from like-minded people.”

The money for the schemes to support local enterprises was secured by the borough council from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Reid added: “As we have seen recently with other initiatives, spaces for our events have been snapped up quickly so please go to our website as soon as possible to grab your place.”

Press Release No 6231