Free Support For Those Who Want To Become Self-employed Or To Create A Social Enterprise

Published on: 2 Aug, 2017
Updated on: 3 Aug, 2017

Inspiring Enterprise is a project set up to help people who are not currently working to explore what is involved in becoming self-employed or in setting up a social enterprise.

Surrey Community Action, based in Burpham, is one of the organisations delivering the initiative.

The Inspiring Enterprise team at Surrey Community Action, from left: Erica Sandford, Marissa Shaw and Richard Ryan.

A new business trainer and mentor, Richard Ryan, has joined the team meaning the project can now support more new participants. Members of the team are keen to hear from people who might be interested in taking part.

Richard, who loves supporting people on the journey to starting up in business, has a wealth of experience in supporting start-ups drawing on his own successful entrepreneurial background and involvement in business incubation. He said: “I’m delighted to have joined the Inspiring Enterprise team and look forward to making a positive impact on those engaged with the project.”

The project offers free support to help develop the ideas, confidence and skills needed to start up and includes:

‘Is It for Me?’ sessions to explore what’s involved in becoming self-employed
Workshops on getting the basics right
Face-to-face meetings for advice
Networking opportunities

Erica Sandford, inspiring enterprise project officer, said: “At Surrey Community Action we are particularly interested in introducing the world of social enterprise and the opportunities in this fast-growing business sector. If you have a fantastic idea that could benefit your community or the environment we’d love to work with you. If you have a more commercial business idea the project can, of course, help you too. So, do get in touch.”

Erica pointed out that the scheme will not be pushing people into something they are not ready for. All options will be discussed fully and an important part of the advice and support will focus on the sustainability of an idea or project.

She added: “We will be pleased to talk not only to individuals, but to groups of people who have come together with an idea.”

The people the project supports could include those who have retired, lone parents, carers, people with disabilities and people in minority groups but participants in the project must not be in any kind of employment when they start working with the project.

For groups and organisations who work with unemployed people in the west Surrey area, Erica said they can refer individuals to her via Surrey Community Action or she is happy to meet up with them to discuss the project.

Taster sessions for specific groups can also be arranged.

Inspiring Enterprise is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund

More information contact Erica Sandford on 01483 447140, mobile 07472 599885. Email: ericas@surreyca.org.uk

For more details click here.