South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

Enter the World of Enterprise

23 October 2007

As Enterprise Week fast approaches (12-18 November), potential entrepreneurs across the South East are being encouraged to think about being their own boss.

Designed to inspire young people aged between 14 and 30 years to make their ideas happen, the fourth annual Enterprise Week will feature activities and events taking place across the UK.

Business Link’s Elaine Whittaker said: “We want anyone who might be thinking about working for themselves to take this opportunity to find out more about what is involved and make their dreams a reality. Business Link has a comprehensive Start Up programme and can offer all kinds of advice on what to consider before starting a business as well as on-going support during the first two years of trading.

“Online guides and checklists can be accessed via our website, which sum up the skills and personal qualities you need to work for yourself. We also run a variety of courses including an introductory workshop exploring the pros and cons of self-employment.”

As part of Enterprise Week, Women’s Enterprise Day takes place on Wednesday 14 November. “Just 15% of all businesses in the UK are majority female owned so we are encouraging more women to become self-employed,” added Elaine.

Business Link is currently running free informal one-day events – entitled ‘What’s Stopping You?’ – across the region. Designed for women who are considering working for themselves but would like to find out more about what is involved in an informal setting, the event allows attendees to talk to other women who have set up on their own, have a one-to-one session with a business expert and attend seminars on everything to do with starting a business.

Elaine Whittaker continued: “You don’t need any business experience at all to come along to these events and there is no obligation to take it any further.”

Enterprise Week will also celebrate Social Enterprise Day on Thursday 15 November. Well-known social enterprises – businesses with a primarily social objective that reinvest profits in the business or in the community – include Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, the Eden Project, Cafédirect and The Big Issue.

Business Link also offers a free workshop for those thinking about setting up a social enterprise, where participants can explore what is meant by the term, as well as pick up useful tips and practical tools to begin researching, planning and developing one.

For more details of the ‘What’s Stopping You?’ events, social enterprise workshops and events taking place in your area during Enterprise Week, call Business Link on 0845 600 9 006 or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast/enterpriseweek.