Budding entrepreneurs looking to start their own business will be able to learn from some of the region’s leading lights when a popular programme returns next month.
For Entrepreneurs Only’s popular Ignition programme encourages new business owners to get their dreams off the ground with confidence, with the help and guidance of successful peers.
Those who have been there, done it and worn the t-shirt give their time and experience to help start-ups avoid some of the pitfalls and problems that occur in the early stages of running a business over seven sessions.
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They include real life business stories of resilience and problem solving, aiming to provide those taking part with invaluable tried and tested tips and tools.
It will be the first programme since the decade-old organisation was presented with its Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
FEO member and director, Jonathan Elvidge, formerly behind The Gadget Shop and Red5 and now co-owner of healthtech business Moodbeam, helped to design the programme.
He said: “This is the programme I needed when I set up The Gadget Shop 30 years ago! “Nothing existed then, and I made a lot of costly mistakes that could have been avoided if I had been able to access the experiences of real-world business owners and entrepreneurs prepared to educate and inspire based on their own stories and know-how. This is what Ignition offers. If you are starting out in business, and have a vision and a passion to follow your own path, then this is for you.”
Delegates also have the opportunity to receive help and support from FEO key partners including Gosschalks, Smailes Goldie Group, The Horncastle Group, The One Point, Cranswick Plc and MKM Building Supplies.
April Madden, who manages the programme, said: “What makes this programme so unique is that it is delivered by a group of local entrepreneurs who are volunteering their time to help others.”
Reflecting on the royal accolade, presented at the MKM Stadium in November, she added: “It’s because of programmes such as Ignition that our members deserve to be recognised as they not only give time, but also experience and encouragement.
“FEO, as an independent community interest company, has the freedom to tweak our programmes year on year which means we match the changing needs of start-up entrepreneurs.”
Hosted at the MKM Stadium in Hull over seven Wednesday evenings, anyone interested in attending can apply via the website.
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