Partner Article

From benefits to business success

People on benefits are being offered the chance to bring out their entrepreneurial skills on Tyneside.

Part of the Newcastle Enterprise Package (NEP), the aim of the six-week programme is to help people develop the necessary skills to get their enterprise up and running.

The scheme is funded by Working Neighbourhood Fund (WNF), and delivered by the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in partnership with Newcastle City Council.

Janice Marsh, project Co-ordinator at BIC, said: “We have delivered a similar scheme in Sunderland which has been a resounding success with 44 people starting their own business. We are confident that Tynesiders will show the same entrepreneurial spirit.

“I think the fact that people are still able to receive their benefit entitlement and in some cases financial support in the initial stages of setting up their business, is very important. Moving into self employment is a radical step and life change and people need the confidence and reassurance that they will be financially secure.”

Janice believes that fundamental to the programme’s success is engaging community organisations, which play a lead role in economic regeneration, before identifying and channelling messages via ‘enterprise champions’. These are people within the community who have been successful in business and can act as role models to others.

John Musham, Head of Enterprise at Newcastle City Council, said: “This project is part of a range of support for business start ups, delivered through Newcastle City Council’s ‘Enterprising Newcastle’ programme. It is responding to a growing demand from local people who are considering setting up their own business and has proved to be very popular and successful. I would urge anyone considering business start up to contact Janice.”

For more information call Janice Marsh on 07912 271 953 or email Janice.marsh@ne-bic.co.uk.

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