Starting or running a business

Starting your own business can be a daunting time for anyone but if you are thinking about starting your own business in Stockport there is a range of information, advice and support available to help you.

Silver Entrepreneurs

Run by Stockport Council, this scheme offers business information and support to help Stockport's over 50's to start up in business, or start working for themselves.

With over 20% of Stockport's population now aged between 50 and 69 years, more of the borough's older residents are taking the plunge and setting up in business on their own, after a lifetime of working for others. There are regular information and workshop sessions for those over 50's who have a business idea, or want to start up their own business.

Micro Businesses

Stockport Council is supporting small or 'micro' businesses to supply a range of services to people with a social care need.

We want to encourage people to take as much control of the care they receive as possible and Micro Businesses are one way of ensuring a range of choices. If you have an interesting new idea or service with a twist, then we want to hear from you.

Find out more about Micro Businesses

Business Support and Assistance

Are you considering starting your own business or are you looking to move your company into Stockport? Or just looking for the training support available for your employees?

Whether your company is starting up locally; growing within Stockport; relocating to the borough or you are looking for training support for your employees the Council can provide information on a range of services available to help you succeed.

Intensive Start Up Support

Intensive business stat up advice and assistance is available to get your business ideas off the ground and transform them into a growing business. Offering free 1:1 business advice and support, you can meet with a business advisor, have your questions answered and gain help and assistance in a range of areas including networking, developing a business plan and sourcing grants or funding.

These services are provided locally free of charge by two organisations who can meet you near to home and are able to provide comprehensive advice. To access intensive start up business support in Stockport please contact Business Link Northwest.

Remember, for business advice on consumer protection legislation you can contact Stockport Council's Trading Standards Service.

Useful contacts

Please note that links to websites will open in a new window.

Stockport Council (Economic Development Team)
Address: Stopford House, Piccadilly, Stockport SK1 3XE
Phone: 0161 474 3734
Email: econdev@stockport.gov.uk

Business Link (Northwest)
Address: Brian Johnson Way, Preston, Lancashire PR2 5PE
Phone: 0845 00 66 888
Fax: 01772 709 140
Web: www.businesslinknw.co.uk
Email: info@businesslinknw.co.uk

Stockport Council (Trading Standards Service)
Address: Stopford House, Piccadilly, Stockport SK1 3XE
Phone: 0161 474 4195
Email: trading.standards@stockport.gov.uk