You’re never too young to think like an entrepreneur

Nov 14 2007 By The Journal

FUNDING is at hand for budding entrepreneurs. Go Wansbeck – the district’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) Programme – is off to a flying start with 75% of its funding already committed to schemes to help boost enterprise and business in the area.

From open days and appointments, to grants and training, the positive impact of the three-year £11.8m LEGI programme is being felt throughout the district.

Enterprise Island sparked the interest of 20 would-be entrepreneurs who took advantage of advice on offer from enterprise guru, Iain Scott.

A two-day residential fun, free workshop taught the attendees how to think and act like entrepreneurs, further developing their business ideas.

Those successful budding entrepreneurs who attended Enterprise Island have now been invited to The Great Enterprise Event at Woodhorn Colliery to experience speed dating with a difference at the Enterprise Flirt.

Business Link representatives and other business support professionals will be on hand to provide inspiration and encouragement to help move fledgling businesses on to the next level.

It is never too young to begin to think like an entrepreneur, inspiration and encouragement is now available to 16-24- year olds in Wansbeck with the recent appointment of Tim Hills to the role of mentor for the Young Entrepreneurs Skills programme.

The programme offers young people in the district a range of training and experiences including one-to-one mentoring sessions, master classes and online learning.

Placements are also available with small local businesses that are designed to build individuals’ knowledge of business and confidence in enterprise.

The Steps Forward programme is another initiative boosting the aspirations and confidence of Wansbeck residents.

By helping to build individuals’ self-esteem and giving them practical advice, it aims to help unemployed people look positively into the future so they can take advantage of new opportunities and ambitions, such as volunteering, settling back into work and even considering starting their own business.

It isn’t just individuals who are gaining from the LEGI programme as businesses and other organisations are being boosted by the schemes on offer.

By taking advantage of the Flexible Funding initiative, businesses in Wansbeck can now apply for grants and loans to help them set up and grow.

To date, more than 50 offers of grants and loans have been made totaling over £200,000. The significant funding available for business property development has also been met with strong interest from entrepreneurs and property developers keen to invest and develop new business premises in Wansbeck.

With more initiatives on their way, Go Wansbeck is set to continue along its successful path, encouraging everyone, whatever their age, to get involved in making their communities more enterprising.

For more information about the LEGI programme please contact the team on (01670) 843495, email info@gowansbeck.co.uk or visit www.gowansbeck.co.uk