From community wellbeing organisations and social enterprises to independent food businesses, GM Business Growth Hub is helping entrepreneurs across Tameside access the advice, connections and specialist support they need to grow. Through initiatives such as Tameside Means Business, local businesses and social enterprises across the borough are receiving tailored guidance to overcome challenges, strengthen their operations and create lasting social and economic impact in their communities.

Recent support provided to businesses across the borough highlights the diverse ways in which GM Business Growth Hub is helping founders turn ambition into action.

Building community impact through sustainable growth

One business benefiting from this support is Bollyfit Active CIC, founded by Shamime Jan. Through culturally responsive fitness and wellbeing programmes, Bollyfit supports South Asian women and women from diverse communities to improve their physical health, confidence and overall wellbeing.

Building on its grassroots success, Bollyfit has evolved beyond community-based delivery with the launch of Bollyfit Training Ltd, a coach-training business designed to scale its impact. Over the past year, 24 coaches have been trained across the UK, creating new opportunities for women while expanding access to Bollyfit programmes in communities nationwide.

Shamime Jan first connected with GM Business Growth Hub through a Tameside Means Business surgery session to explore opportunities for growth and future development. Since then, the business has accessed support covering growth strategy, marketing, social value and specialist introductions to help strengthen its commercial offer and identify new opportunities.

Alongside support from the Social Value Team, Bollyfit has also been accepted onto the GC Angels investment readiness programme and has received innovation support to explore the development of new products and services. This combination of support has helped the organisation strengthen its commercial positioning, develop its corporate partnership offer and prepare for sustainable growth.

Today, Bollyfit is building on its growing coach network, community impact and commercial training model as it pursues opportunities for growth across the UK and internationally.

Shamime Jan said:

 "The Growth Hub has been incredibly valuable in opening doors to strategic conversations and partnerships. Their support has helped us think beyond local delivery and strengthen our approach to scaling sustainably."

Helping local businesses take their next step

The support available through GM Business Growth Hub extends beyond social enterprises.

For Deluxe Danish Bakery, founder Memuna Ahmad sought support while pursuing plans to establish a kiosk at Ashton Outdoor Market. While she had strong baking skills and a growing online customer base, she wanted guidance on turning her passion into a sustainable business. Working with advisers, Memuna developed a business plan and completed a successful application to Tameside Council, while also accessing further support through the Enterprising You programme to strengthen her marketing strategy. The support ultimately helped her secure a kiosk at Ashton Outdoor Market, providing a platform for future growth.

Meanwhile, Your Well-being Company, founded by Sarah Crossley, returned to GM Business Growth Hub to explore franchising opportunities and plans to establish a regional women's networking group. The business was connected with both enterprise specialists and a dedicated franchising adviser, helping Sarah understand different franchise models and prepare for sustainable expansion. Alongside this, introductions to local female business leaders supported the creation of the HER Tameside Networking Group. As a result, the business has successfully launched its first franchise in Australia while creating a valuable networking community for women across the borough.

Community-focused social enterprise Green Creations CIC approached GM Business Growth Hub as demand for its inclusive craft workshops continued to grow. Following changes within the leadership team, the organisation needed support to strengthen its marketing activity, manage competing priorities and increase trading income. Tailored advice, access to training opportunities and introductions to local partners helped provide greater structure and focus, alongside referrals to specialist support programmes including Enterprising You and Action Together. The organisation has since grown to become the founder's full-time role, strengthening its long-term sustainability and community impact.

Tailored support for every stage of growth

The experiences of these businesses demonstrate how tailored business support can help founders navigate challenges, access specialist expertise and unlock opportunities for sustainable growth.

Whether through investment readiness support, innovation advice, specialist growth guidance or community-focused business support, GM Business Growth Hub continues to work with businesses across Tameside to help them achieve their ambitions and contribute to a stronger local economy.