NEBS: Helping businesses in North & East Bristol get back on their feet post-lockdown

NEBS: Helping businesses in North & East Bristol get back on their feet post-lockdown

Posted on: 10 Aug 2021

Business owners and entrepreneurs across North & East Bristol can access free support to aid recovery from the pandemic.

 

After close to 18 months of coronavirus restrictions, it appears as though day-to-day life is returning to normality across Bristol and beyond.

 

Shops are open, events are back underway across the nightlife sector, and hospitality businesses are able to operate at full capacity, a welcome update for the small, independent businesses that make up the backbone of local economies nationwide.

 

While the pandemic certainly isn't over, Bristolians can now begin a period of recovery and pick up the pieces after such a long period of difficulty. 

 

Read on to find out how the North & East Bristol Support programme is helping small businesses deal with the impact of the coronavirus crisis, and how the support team are giving new business owners the tools to succeed.

Bishopston, Bristol.

What is the North & East Bristol Support (NEBS) programme?

 

Set up by the West of England Combined Authority in partnership with Bristol City Council, the NEBS programme has been developed to help local businesses recover from the pandemic by offering a range of practical, free-to-access advice and resources.

 

As well as one-to-one support, packages also provide online workshops and training on a variety of topics, covering online trading, financial management, securing funding, marketing and utilising social media.

 

The project is set to continue into March 2023 and is expected to work with more than 2,800 businesses and residents across North & East Bristol, with a focus on reaching underrepresented communities and low-income areas.

 

Speaking to 365Bristol, NEBS Project Manager Sarah Ives explains: "Our advice is tailored to the needs of business owners. We remove heavy jargon for people starting out to break down barriers and recognise the needs of existing business owners based in Bristol."

 

The support team recognise - and have experience dealing with - the challenges that business owners face, spanning marketing, finance, project management, operations, business strategy and more.

 

 

How can the NEBS programme benefit me and my business?

 

All of the workshops and training events set up as part of NEBS are delivered across two sections: Outset, for pre-start and start-ups who are currently at the beginning of their journeys, and GetSet, for established businesses looking to grow and/or expand their operations.

 

Users can also benefit from exploring the NEBS online community to share and discuss ideas with other entrepreneurs and businesses based in North & East Bristol.

 

The programme is open to anyone with an idea for a prospective business or an existing business employing up to 249 people. The scheme welcomes people who need solid business experience and advice to develop their confidence, covering all industries.

Bishopston, Bristol.

Testimonials

 

"The package of business support being offered by YTKO to local businesses & new start-ups through the NEBS initiative is very much welcomed and comes at a time where you are all trying to navigate re-opening.

 

"I would urge you to take up the offer of FREE Business Support and get in touch with the team who will help you get back on the road to economic recovery."

 

- Asher Craig, Deputy Bristol Mayor and St. George West Councillor

 

 

"My business was hit quite hard during COVID and the lockdowns. NEBS let me know about the grants on offer with Bristol City Council and I was awarded the Additional Restrictions grant which was amazing as I wouldn’t have heard about it otherwise.

 

"The team are always happy to talk and go through business ideas and issues that come up. Every member of the team I have liaised with are knowledgeable, supportive and no question is too trivial. They have been invaluable to my business.

 

"Why wouldn’t you use free business support? It costs nothing except your time, and you may be surprised at the help that is out there for you. I’ve been running my business for 9 years and never realised the support that was out there for me."

 

- Barbara, Bishopston-based Photographer

 

 

"Joining NEBS has been a brilliant experience so far. The amount of resources, workshops, networking opportunities is invaluable and everyone is keen to help you.

 

"Whether you are thinking of starting your own business or you are already established, I believe there are loads of things that can be learnt that will support you in developing and growing your idea.

 

"There are plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs too, which for me, being a sole trader, is an absolutely fantastic and definitely needed aspect of this programme. Thank you!"

 

- Guillia, My Kinda Dog

 

 

After almost a year and a half of restrictions on businesses across all sectors, it's vital that we all do what we can to support Bristol independents and help our local communities on the road to recovery.

 

"Bristol's businesses have contributed to creating an incredibly vibrant and famously independent city," Sarah says.

 

"Lots of these places have suffered as a direct result of the pandemic so wherever possible and safe to do so, it's important for the public and fellow businesses to support and shop local.

 

"Within this it's very important to support new businesses, recognise the challenges they've faced and treat them with the patience and understanding they deserve whilst complying with new COVID regulations."

 

For more information on the NEBS programme, to find out how you can get involved or to enrol on the programme directly, head to the scheme's website or get in touch with the team via email.

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.