With the Goole Town Deal programme now in its final few months, local businesses and individuals are reminded that they have until the end of March 2026 to take advantage of the free support on offer from the Opportunity Goole project.

Based within Goole Library on Carlisle Street in the town centre, Opportunity Goole is one of eight strategic projects funded by Goole Town Deal and was established to help develop the local workforce by offering free support to local individuals, employers and the self-employed.

A team of Personal Advisors was recruited to support those keen to gain the knowledge and skills needed to secure employment or boost their career prospects. They also provide support to local employers by helping to ensure that they’re able to recruit local people with the skillset that they’re looking for, as well as those who are, or looking to become, self-employed. In addition to providing advice and support, the team signposts people to other organisations and services that can help them, including Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support team.

Opportunity Goole also ran a Flexible Grant Scheme to help eligible businesses and individuals access funding towards the cost of training, employment and business opportunities, although this closed to new applications earlier this year.

Since it was first established during the early part of 2023, Opportunity Goole has provided practical support and advice to more than 350 local people, including sole traders and those looking to launch their own businesses, and in excess of 160 businesses, community interest companies and other organisations.

Almost 70 applicants have received a share of more than £364,000 in funding from the Flexible Grant Scheme, towards the cost of a wide variety of projects that will boost the local economy.

The bespoke support on offer has resulted in countless success stories, helping many of the individuals who worked with the team to secure work in their chosen field, move up the career ladder or launch their own businesses, as well as supporting existing businesses to grow and expand.

Personal Advisor Sarah Bonnett said: “Although the Flexible Grant Scheme has now closed and all of the grant funding has been allocated, I’d encourage anyone who have not yet benefited from the free advice and support on offer to reach out to the Opportunity Goole team before the end of March.”

Phil Jones, Chair of the Goole Town Deal Board, said: “What the Opportunity Goole team has achieved over the last three years has been nothing short of fantastic. They’ve made a genuine difference to so many local people and employers, helping people to realise their training and career goals, and helping businesses to grow and thrive.

“I’d encourage anyone who thinks they might benefit from the support on offer to reach out to the team and take advantage of this fantastic free service now.”

A series of case studies about the work of the Opportunity Goole team and the individuals and businesses that they’ve supported can be viewed here.

To access the free support on offer, visit the Opportunity Goole team at Goole Library or email opportunity.goole@eastriding.gov.uk before the end of March, 2026.

You can also access more information and support to develop your skills, or those of your workforce, and gain qualifications or learn something new by visiting East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Adult Learning and Employability website.  Alternatively, call in at Goole Job Centre Plus on North Street in Goole for further careers advice and support, visit the website or telephone 0800 169 0190.