Since starting GM Business Community in April 2020, we have had over 600 businesses sign up. From small businesses, to family firms and large corporations, the goal of GM Business Community has always been to offer support to businesses in Greater Manchester regardless of size or scale. In fact, its diversity only makes it stronger.
We’ve put together 6 ways GM Business Community can support any business below:
Networking – at the heart of any great community is a network of likeminded people. That’s why we’ve made sure that being part of GM Business Community ensures you get access to as many networking opportunities as possible.
From fortnightly ‘GMCC Networking’ hosted by our Membership team on Zoom, to an exclusive LinkedIn group, and access to our app MyGMCR. There are plenty of ways to connect and promote your business through our various digital networking channels. Plus, once our networking event get the green light to go ahead in-person you’ll receive complimentary access to an event of your choice.
Events – Whether you’re looking for something sector specific, or a chance to learn something new about a topic there’s a Chamber event to benefit you and your business. As part of GM Business Community you will get access to a whole host of virtual events and webinars. This gives you an opportunity to learn and engage with the Chamber on multiple levels, from informal events such as Chamber Live to large webinars with up to 100 attendees.
Funding Opportunities – funding and finance for SMEs has never been more needed. Those in the GM Business Community can have the opportunity to sit a one-to-one Workforce Development Plan meeting with a dedicated Skills Consultant. The meetings are free, fully funded, and impartial. We can help with a range of issues you may currently face, from skills gaps, to support to retain staff and more. Future funding opportunities, such as the soon to be launched Chamber Finance Finder, will also be available to the GM Business Community too for a limited time.
International Trade Support – If you’re already an exporter, importer, or looking to start internationalising, various international trade services are available for GM Business Community participants. These include: online export/import readiness assessments, access to our Brexit Hub, one-to-one 25 min consultations with our trade team, and access to market opportunities webinars.
Contribute to GM Policy – one of the reasons GM business Community began was the need for an organisation to fight for the voice of business in Greater Manchester during lockdown. We’ve continually advocated for the voice of business through our Business Monitor, QES and now our Recovery Tracker. This anonymous series of survey responses takes the pulse of the GM economy and allows us to develop policy in collaboration with local and national Government.
Leading News and Updates from the UK’s Largest Chamber – as the past few months have shown us, things can change quickly, be it local lockdowns or changes to Government support packages. As part of the GM Business Community you’ll receive tri-weekly updates from the Chamber, ensuring you stay informed about the issues that may affect your business.
Joining GM Business Community is free of charge, join us and 600+ other businesses as we look toward the recovery and the future of GM – sign up here.
Already a Chamber member? Why not invite your supply chain or contacts to be a member of GM Business Community, Just send them the link to this page.