Start and Grow Enterprise has supported more than 600 ambitious businesses across Gloucestershire get off the ground since starting in 2017.

And Start and Grow has launched the second phase of its support programme to help freelances, entrepreneurs and new businesses take the step from budding to booming.

Since 2000, the number of self-starters has risen by more than 45 per cent with 15 per cent of the working population calling themselves boss.

It gives them freedom, flexibility and unlimited financial potential - but it is not an easy ride.

And that is where Start and Grown Enterprise, a University of Gloucestershire programme, is here to help.

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, everything offered through the programme is free and runs until March 31, 2023.

This support is available to anyone in Gloucestershire with an idea for a business, freelancers and business owners who are in the early stages of running their venture.

Programme manager Charles Dodwell said: "Although we are building on a successful three-year programme, arguably this second three-year phase is the most important.

"We believe the economic recovery will be largely driven by the entrepreneurs, whose resilience and creativity are legendary.

"We have assembled a team of experienced and gifted individuals whose aim, like ours, is to help dreams turn into reality, and make those dreams even bigger."

As part of the new programme, business owners benefit from a business diagnostic process with dedicated time with a member of the team to identify where their challenges lie.

The information is used to create a bespoke support plan for the business.

Business owners can access three hours of one-to-one coaching to help them take their business to the next level and they get the chance to apply for a £1,000 cash grant to invest in the business.

Hundreds of entrepreneurs in Gloucestershire have benefited from this comprehensive support package.

One previous client said: "This is a fantastic resource for start-ups in the county. I received a clear structure to move my business forward, I could see my ideas growing on the page.

"I feel very lucky to have been able to access the programme"

Another said: "I recommend Start and Grow Enterprise to anyone I can. The help, resources and support are amazing.

"The support has been invaluable. Thank you Start and Grow Enterprise"

To join this community of like-minded entrepreneurs and get started with Start and Grow Enterprise's support, sign up at startandgrowenterprise.uk/join