Go Wansbeck helps Claire waltz to new future

Posted by The Journal on May 21, 09 09:54 AM in News

Claire Hanson of Dance Northumberland A dance enthusiast has spun her hobby into a dream business venture with help from Go Wansbeck.

Claire Hanson decided to set up Dance Northumberland after being made redundant from her role as a marketing manager, so she approached Go Wansbeck for business support and advice.

Now she has a solid business plan, has bought equipment and created a website to help her business.

Claire is working with groups and individuals around Northumberland, teaching dance from hip-hop and breakdancing to street dancing. She has also established links with schools across the area and is helping teachers to give dance sessions to pupils.

Claire said: "I never thought that being made redundant would be the best thing to happen to me. I can do my hobby every day and make a living from it.

"Go Wansbeck has been a massive help in setting up Dance Northumberland and I would urge anyone who is thinking about starting a new business to contact them."

Claire received help through Go Wansbeck's flexible funding programme, which provides grants and loans for start-up and established business. New businesses can receive grants and loans of up to £3,000 to cover up to half their start-up costs.

New firms can apply until they have been trading for three months. Established businesses can apply for development grants of up to £10,000 (to cover up to 50% of eligible expenditure and loans of up to £10,000.)

As well as offering financial support, Go Wansbeck also provides free, confidential advice and guidance to would-be entrepreneurs through one-to-one business coaching. This is aimed at new and small companies as well as start-ups.

In the past two years the business coaches have seen more than 400 clients in Wansbeck, helping people like Claire turn business dreams into reality.

Go Wansbeck programme manager Keith Raine said: "Claire's success shows there are other options and career paths available to people facing a change in circumstances or looking for a new challenge.

"Our business coaching scheme has been such a success that we have four new coaches starting with us this month to provide assistance to anyone in the area thinking about becoming their own boss.

"I'm delighted that Go Wansbeck has been able to support Dance Northumberland and wish the business every success in the future."

For more on support from Go Wansbeck, contact the Business Support Office on (01670) 844 560 or visit www.gowansbeck.co.uk

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