Networking business offers membership grants

During what are undoubtedly tough times for many in business, a networking group is doing its bit to support local businesses with 10 membership grants, worth £894 each, available across the Cheshire region.

The membership grants (one per local group) are available to new members who have started a business in 2020 and gives them a one-year BNI membership free of charge. The worldwide networking organisation has 10 groups in the local area in Macclesfield and Wilmslow as well as in Mere, Knutsford, Holmes Chapel, Warrington, Grappenhall, Crewe, Nantwich and Vale Royal.

BNI is a business networking organisation which provides a structured, supportive business development environment. Members are taught how to attract and win more new business through word of mouth referrals from fellow group members. And it works – members in the local Cheshire East region have supported each other and passed over £7,363,641 worth of business since January.

Speaking about the new grants, executive director of BNI Cheshire East, Dave Skeels said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be doing my bit to support local business people at what is a difficult time for many.

“2020 has been a challenging year and will continue to be so, particularly in certain sectors. We are seeing many people who have been made redundant, or whose businesses are no longer viable, start a new business and it is these people we are looking to support.

“Membership is a great way for them to kick-start their entrepreneurial journey.”

BNI is a membership organisation. One grant will be awarded in each of the 10 local chapters with membership committees having the final say on who the grant will be awarded to. This will follow an application process.

In closing, Dave said, “This is an amazing opportunity. BNI groups meet weekly and provide a hugely supportive network for any business. I would urge anyone who has set up a business this year to get in touch with their local chapter.”

Weekly meetings are currently taking place online and visitors are welcome any week. The Macclesfield group (BNI Silk of Macclesfield) is hosting a special visitor’s day on Thursday 19^th November in relation to the new grant. For more information contact silkbni@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.

Anyone interested in joining the Wilmslow group can email ben@blackandwhiteresourcing.com  or visit the Wilmslow Facebook page

Information on the local chapters can be found here: https://bni-ce.co.uk/en-GB/findachapter.