A leg-up for Stratford’s aspiring entrepreneurs

1st March 2021 by Anne Solomon

A national business school has helped over 100 budding business-people from Stratford-on-Avon District learn the basics of starting their own companies and allow their entrepreneurial spirit to flourish.

Funded by Stratford-on-Avon District Council and its Venture House Business Centre, the week-long business programme held by The Rebel Business School (formerly PopUp Business School) saw its trainees attend a specialist virtual training and development course.

The free sessions connected the District’s aspiring business owners with training specialists from The Rebel Business School, who delivered a range of topics including website building, online marketing and building confidence.

In addition to the ongoing business support that exists through Venture House and its partners, Stratford District Council felt there was also a need to provide additional support to residents who may have been affected directly by the pandemic and who are seeking a new or alternative income stream.

Lower Quinton resident and recent course attendee Nina Heath, who has set up her own photo editing and retouching business, said: “I’ve learnt so much about how to start a business in 2021. The whole week has given me such insight and confidence, especially in building my own website and social media presence, all from the convenience of my own home.”

The course was completely free and aimed at everyone with an interest in business, including a number of young entrepreneurs from the local colleges. There was no experience required and no need to have an oven-ready business plan. The sessions were highly motivating and passionately led by successful entrepreneurs and professionals.

Stratford’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Tourism, Cllr Matt Jennings said: “It is fantastic to see that, in these challenging times, so many residents have stepped out of their comfort zones to drive their ideas forward.

“The Council is committed to supporting the local economy and I wish everyone who took part every success in the future. Small businesses are the bedrock of our economy and it’s really important that we do what we can to support budding entrepreneurs.”

For more information about the Council’s support to business and entrepreneurs, go to www.venturehousestratford.co.uk or call Anna at Venture House on 07583 100488.