Join a cohort of other budding entrepreneurs to explore your ideas for a business or social enterprise and be guided through the basics of researching, modelling, testing and planning your venture in a structured and supportive environment.
In-work support and progression
Are you in work and looking to boost your income, improve your skills, or find a more secure job?
Our In-Work Progression service will help you overcome practical and skills barriers, increase your confidence to help meet your potential, and provide specialist information on how you can develop skills for different employment sectors and job opportunities.
The Salford Employment Hub can provide free and impartial support with:
- career advice and job progression
- CV writing and interview coaching
- upskilling and qualifications
- self-employment options
- health and wellbeing support
- finance and debt advice
We're here to help you take the next step — whatever that looks like for you.
Eligibility – participants must:
- be Salford residents
- be over the age of 18
- have the right to live and work in the UK
- be one or more of the following:
- in low paid work
- claiming an in-work benefit (eg tax credits or universal support)
- in a low-skilled job
- in insecure work or on a zero hour contract
Support for self-employed residents
There are numerous initiatives to support and encourage starting and maintaining a self-employed business.
These can include a mix of skill-building, financial support, mentorship, networking and community engagement.
Support available in Salford
Launch@Salford (University of Salford)
Aspire Business (Caritas Diocese of Salford)
Aspire Business provides refugees with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to create and operate successful businesses. Also assists entrepreneurs in navigating the various challenges of starting a business, such as legal, financial, and marketing.
In collaboration with Salford City Council, PeoplePlus Enterprise offers a business growth programme for self-employed and freelance residents. Participants receive six months of business mentoring with a dedicated business coach to help grow their business, increase turnover, and achieve their goals. The programme is government-funded and free for participants.
The LearningPlus platform offers interactive remote training and assessment, which is accessible remotely 24/7. It features a comprehensive list of modules designed to support both startups and existing businesses in their growth journey. Learners can choose between accredited courses and non-accredited options, and because learning is remote, it can be done at the learner’s own pace, anywhere, any time. Through the unique offer, each learner is also paired with an experienced Business Coach who provides dedicated support and guidance throughout their journey.
Located at the heart of Salford's Innovation Triangle, the Salford Innovation Forum provides direct support from an Innovation Director and access to a nationwide network to help businesses scale up. They offer one-on-one business support, access to a network of mentors, and connections to funding opportunities. The forum also hosts events and workshops to expand expertise and promote businesses.
Useful links
EnterprisingYou
Help for self-employed in Greater Manchester.
Canva Design School
Learn how to create amazing designs in minutes.
Open SME
Small business support on your mobile, tablet or laptop, on the tram on the way to the office, at home, when the kids are in bed, or when you get five minutes of peace at the weekend.
Rebel Business School
Award-winning courses that will empower you to start a business without a business plan or money.
Build a business in Salford Libraries (Salford Community Leisure)
Salford Community Leisure offer free, tailored support to new businesses and entrepreneurs through workshops and events. Our SME Champion will provide one-to-one support and create a business information plan specific to you.
Elevate (Salford CVS)
The Elevate Salford programme provides a range of services to support, train and prepare people furthest from the labour market, to gain skills, training and employment via the strong charity sector in Salford.
Enterprise (King’s Trust)
Free support to start a business through the Enterprise programme.
Vision2Success
Free digital marketing workshops, where we share our knowledge with you.
GM Skills Map
Thousands of training opportunities that can support you wherever you are on your business journey. There is a wide range of skills available, offering you flexibility that suits your training budget, location and delivery preference.
Sole trader support
Find out what a sole trader is and how to become one.
Self-employment guides
- A small business guide to self employment
- Setting up
- Universal Credit if you're self-employed
- Your Toolkit for Starting a New Business
- UTR Numbers: Everything You Need To Know
- Check how to register for Self Assessment