A specially tailored course designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs in Leeds with the skills and knowledge to start up their own sustainable business has received high praise from the first group of participants.
Steps to Business, organised by Unity Enterprise - the not for profit subsidiary of Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise - was held over four days last month at Unity Business Centre in Chapeltown.
A Steps to Business workshop
It included a series of three-hour workshops, facilitated by leading training company PeoplePlus, covering a broad selection of topics ranging from marketing and bookkeeping through to guidance on how to transform an initial idea into a viable business concept.
Feedback from participants has been universally positive.
Andrew, who took part in the programme, said: “It was the best business workshop I have attended.”
Miguel, who also attended, said: “It was inspiring.”
Tracey said: “Steps to Business workshops was fantastic, I attended all four sessions. It has allowed me to focus on what is necessary to start a business, adjust what I thought I knew and give me brand new tools to move forward with. I would highly recommend this course to my friends as I believe this is something that is needed especially in the community and this current climate.”
Following the success of the programme in its first rollout, Steps to Business will run again from 17 to 20 April.
Richard Aitoro, Business Advisor at Unity Enterprise, said: “The sessions were interactive and highly engaging which served to not only inform those taking part but inspire and motivate them along a positive entrepreneurial trajectory.
Unity Business Centre
“The individual modules were in depth, leaving everyone involved with a good level of insight into each topic covered.
“The PeoplePlus course facilitators were highly engaging, witty and altogether positive.
“The supportive atmosphere created a space where participants exchanged numbers and said they would enjoy attending other courses as part of the workshop group.”
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “We are really pleased at how well Steps to Business went first time around, as underlined by our decision to run a second programme in April.
“Unity is fully committed to doing all we can to identify and develop entrepreneurial talent in the local community including through the provision of interactive training from experienced business professionals.
“PeoplePlus are leaders in this field and the ideal partners for this innovative venture.
“I would urge people of all ages who believe they have a sound business idea and a commitment to make it succeed to consider signing up for the next round of Steps to Business.
“It is a decision with the potential to transform their lives.”
Liz Shaw, Contract Manager Peopleplus for Start Up West Yorkshire, said: “Thank you for allowing myself and my team to deliver a programme of business workshops in Unity Business Centre.
“It was fantastic to see so many business owners and starts up’s in one room, learning and networking over those four days.
“We thoroughly enjoyed delivering the programme and interaction and are looking forward to the next set of participants in April.”
Anyone interested in joining the next Steps to Business programme should contact Richard Aitoro at richard.aitoro@unityha.co.uk or Tel: 07395 328123.