Partner Article

Unlocking entrepreneurial spirit in the North East

Today marks the launch of a region-wide campaign which hopes to re-ignite North East England’s entrepreneurial spirit. The ‘If we can, you can’ campaign aims to address the region’s current business shortfall by ‘unlocking the entrepreneurial potential’ among the general public. The campaign will use peer-to-peer support and personal stories to encourage budding and existing entrepreneurs. Enterprising individuals in the region are being urged to join in and tell their story, adding to an online database of enterprising accounts.

Paul Callaghan, founding director of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum (who are running the campaign) said: “Being part of this community will be empowering and inspirational. It’s an unbelievable opportunity to tap into the knowledge and experiences of like-minded entrepreneurs across the region. “We believe that everyone in business has something to offer. The experiences that you can share with those starting out could provide an invaluable insight into the world of launching or managing their own business. It’s about inspiration and engagement - finding out how others have overcome challenges along the way to achieving success and benefiting from their advice.”

Today also sees the launch of the ‘If we can, you can’ Challenge calling upon any individual who is either thinking of starting a business, running their own business, or looking to grow their existing enterprise. The region-wide search will offer winners the opportunity to become the ‘faces of entrepreneurship 2009.’

Carole Beverley, Chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum said: “The ‘If we can, you can’ Challenge leaves no doors closed in searching for the future faces of entrepreneurship. Whether you want to turn a great business idea into reality or have already taken the leap of faith and are making the first steps in running or growing your own business we want you to enter. We are also encouraging friends and family to nominate.”

To enter the ‘If we can, you can’ challenge visit www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/challenge. To tell your story or find more about the campaign visit www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .