Lets Get Started ~ Starting a Business Programme

Have you got a burning ambition to be your own boss? Perhaps you’ve been made redundant and would like to explore whether self employment is for you? Or maybe you are just fed up working for somebody else and want to take control?

There are many reasons why people start their own business and if you live in Hastings now is your chance to test your ideas, gain the skills you need to run a business and achieve the success you are aiming for.

This Hastings Borough Council, Area Based Grants funded programme is designed to help people from Hastings to start up a business or social enterprise.

We are looking to recruit people now for the next programme which will run through May and June. Applications are welcomed from anyone who has a good idea and the drive to turn it into a viable business. The programme is available to anyone over 18 who is not in full time education, whether employed or unemployed (but not on New Deal).

Starting a Business will run from late April to the end of June 2010 and will consist of:

• Applications for the programme are required by Friday 16 April 2010
• Interviews will take place on Thursday 22 April 2010
• 4 days of Business Start-up Workshops, these will commence on Monday 26 April 2010
• 4 mentoring sessions with an appointed business mentor to enable you to develop your Business and Action Plans.
• A Presentation Day before a panel of local business experts who will help you evaluate and develop your plans further

After the programme you will also have access to further support designed to help you develop your business once you have launched plus other opportunities for training Workshops and Seminars.

Candidates must be able to devote the necessary time to attend the Business Workshop days, meet with their mentors for an hour per session and have an exceptional determination to make their business ideas work.

For further information please call Sharon Fitzhugh on 01424 205508 to confirm your eligibility.

Unfortunately due to Government restrictions only residents of Hastings can join the programme, if you live in Rother please still contact us as there are alternative programmes we can help you gain access to.