About up+running

up+running is a proven support programme for anyone new to setting up and running a business and is delivered by the University of the West of England (UWE) in the South West area. The full Sustainability Support for Small Business (S³) programme comprises 64 sets of easy-to-read modules and fact-sheets, many with accompanying templates for documents such as business plans, cash flow forecasts and marketing brochures. The module sets run in a logical sequence; for example, the first 16 sets lead to starting a business and the following 48 provide essential information about running and growing a business. Module sets may be downloaded from the Members' Area of this website as required although the first 16 module sets are also available on the up+running "Start Your Business" CD.

The educational material allows anyone new to business to progress through the important stages of planning, starting and running a business and no prior business knowledge is required. The programme is supported by mentoring from the up+running team. But that's not all: as the programme progresses, the member is asked to develop three documents: (i) a business plan and cash flow forecast, (ii) a mid-year financial forecast after six months and (iii) a new business plan for growth in year two. Templates are provided for all of these documents. Satisfactory submission of all three assignments can lead to the university qualification: the Certificate in Small Business Management.

The programme was trialled over 12 months with almost 150 new businesses and proved to be a spectacular success – the programme achieved a 95% approval rating from members in an anonymous survey undertaken by University staff. And, best of all, the programme made a real difference to the sustainability of new businesses. In other words... it works!

To find out how to become a member of the up+running programme, click here