A range of events to encourage local would-be and start-up entrepreneurs to seek free advice and guidance and successful local businesses to share their expertise have been organised by North Somerset Enterprise Agency to mark Global Entrepreneurship Week 2012, which takes place next week (12-18 November).
The focus of the Week – which last year involved over 900 partner organisations in the UK, reaching over 213,000 people – is, this year, on ‘passing on’ the practical help and support needed by early start-ups and individuals who are considering taking the plunge.
North Somerset Enterprise Agency, a not-for-profit community enterprise which has been supporting start-up and growing businesses in the region for 24 years and last year advised over 1500 businesses resulting in over 170 new jobs, has organised events and activities across three days to help and inspire those planning their businesses.
On Tuesday 13 November North Somerset Enterprise Agency’s Business Club meeting will be addressed by guest speakers including Geoff Bartlett of the Fredericks Foundation, a charity that helps disadvantaged people set up their own business. Geoff will be talking about business support and microloan funding available for start-ups and small businesses who cannot access finance through the usual channels.
Wednesday 14 November sees the Enterprise Agency host a legal clinic at its offices in the Link Centre, Weston-super-Mare with free half-hour legal advice slots for would-be entrepreneurs and business owners with David Hendy of Lindleys Solicitors.
Also on the 14th, budding entrepreneurs can drop into the North Somerset Enterprise Club during the day to access business support and advice and for the opportunity to meet other like-minded people to share ideas and receive expert advice. The Club is organised by North Somerset Enterprise Agency in partnership with Job Centre Plus.
Thursday 15 November sees free one-to-one business financial planning advice sessions take place every hour at the Enterprise Agency’s offices, whilst entrepreneurs who have the aspiration to achieve a turnover of £500,000 or more in their first three years of training can access High Growth Start-up Workshops.
In addition the stories of successful local businesses, the lessons they have learned and their advice for start-up and growing enterprises are being researched by North Somerset Enterprise Agency and will be shared via its website at www.northsomersetenterpriseagency.co.uk
“Global Entrepreneurship Week is about encouraging business ambitions and ensuring that those with ideas know where to get the support they need to make them a reality.” explains Angela Hicks, Chief Executive of North Somerset Enterprise Agency.
“By organising a wide selection of events this week we hope to help entrepreneurs see the big picture, talk to the right contacts, work towards their goals and create contact with those who have “been there, done it”. Our aim is always to help North Somerset businesses to start up and grow and in turn create jobs and opportunities and contribute to the local economy.”
Anyone who would like to attend an event or participate in activities can contact Hazel Wintle at North Somerset Enterprise Agency on 01934 418118 or by emailing [email protected].
About Global Entrepreneurship Week
Global Entrepreneurship Week (12-18 November 2012) is a worldwide movement of entrepreneurial people. Around 100 countries across the globe are signed up to take part, and millions of people will use the week to create new opportunities and successful ventures. The week is run in the UK by Youth Business International, a global network which already runs the event in eleven other countries, in partnership with Barclays, to create a national conversation about entrepreneurship which will help to connect people, share ideas and address regional issues to drive the next generation of business owners. For more information please visit www.gew.org.uk
