The Programme
The book
The up+running Sustainability Support for Small Business (S3) programme is university-accredited and has been proven to work with new business owners. The programme comprises educational material (64 modules with fact sheets and templates) downloadable from this website. The modules assume no prior knowledge and are written in an engaging style. They explain the process of enterprise - how to run a business - in a logical sequence. The programme can be accessed at any time when starting and running a new business. But the programme doesn't stop there: business mentoring is also available from the up+running team.
As the programme progresses over one year, the member is asked to develop three documents: (i) business plan and cash flow forecast, (ii) 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. Whilst this is sensible business practise, up+running takes these documents as "assignments" to the university such that members can, for example, get tutor feedback on the business plan before asking the Bank Manager for an overdraft. Successful completion of either or both of the programme modules will lead to the award of masters level credits which can count towards a qualification at that level.
For those who have already started a business, joining up+running still makes sense as it supports the business owner over a 12-month period. And the initial learning material that leads to the creation of a robust business plan and financial forecast can be provided on the Start Your Business CD.
To find out how to become a member of up+running, click here
