Business Start Up Programme by Invest Rotherham

Thinking of starting your own business in Rotherham? No matter the scale of your plans, we're here to help, free of charge.

Our Launchpad business start-up programme provides you with the knowledge, tools and techniques to enable you to create and build a successful business in Rotherham. Individual coaching and a comprehensive range of expert workshops can help you on your journey from an idea to developing a sustainable and profitable business over those first few crucial years.

The Launchpad programme is delivered from within our Business Hubs located across Rotherham. The Hubs provide the ideal workspace where entrepreneurs and small businesses can start and thrive.

Launchpad’s support is fully funded and free to access for residents and new or small businesses within Rotherham.

We are here to help, so don’t hesitate to get in touch!

From an idea to a new business

If you are new to business, we can help you…

Create customer focused products and services
Develop your branding and marketing to help you stand out from your competitors
Build a deliverable sales and marketing strategy, to make the most of online opportunities and traditional sales techniques
Understand how to set up a business, including HMRC, tax, National Insurance, company structures, etc.
Forecast your cashflow and develop a start-up / growth strategy.

Our advisers will help you develop an action plan and act as an ongoing source of support as your business evolves.

Expert workshops and support

Every month, the programme hosts a range of free-to-attend workshops and clinics, providing you with support to develop your skills and grow your business.

The workshops are delivered by subject experts, providing you with the knowledge and skills to drive your business or idea forward.

Expert workshops cover a range of topics including marketing, branding, artificial intelligence, sales, social media, video, photography, content creation and more.

Workshops also include digital accounting delivered by qualified accountants and drop-in sessions with local law firms where you can get your legal questions answered.

Our experts also provide tailored 1-to-1 support and drop-in sessions providing you with the opportunity to gain in depth support and mentoring on a specific subject.

Check out the current workshops listings to find out more and book your place on a workshop.

Who’s involved?

RiDO is delivering the Launchpad Project in the Rotherham area. If you have an idea or a new business that’s in its first few years, the Launchpad project can help.

Launchpad is a South Yorkshire wide project that is supported and part funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and has attracted £1,456,907 investment through UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, click here

Find out more about RiDO’s start-up team

See the events page for details of upcoming workshops or contact us for more information and to speak to an advisor.

Help is just a call away –