A group of aspiring Leeds entrepreneurs has successfully completed a bespoke training programme spread over two weekends to provide them with expert advice and confidence to set up their own sustainable business.
Organised by Unity Enterprise (UE), the not-for-profit subsidiary of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise, ‘Steps to Business’ began with an icebreaker to enable participants to feel at ease and get to know each other, before moving on to a discussion on the essential elements of a well-crafted business plan.
Next up was an exercise in defining the differences between business aims and business objectives, with an emphasis on understanding that an enterprise may have several different objectives that help it to meet its overarching aim.
The programme, hosted at Leeds Media Centre – one of three business locations in Chapeltown operated by UE - then examined the provision of goods and services for consumers and producers, before a presentation on the uses and benefits of a SWOT analysis.
The course reached its conclusion with separate but overlapping modules on pricing and marketing, before concluding with a session on budgets and cash flow.
A group of aspiring entrepreneurs have completed ‘Steps to Business’ at Leeds Media Centre
Adrian Green, UE Manager, said: “There was a wonderfully vibrant feel to the programme across both weekends.
“As well as developing a deeper appreciation of the ‘dos and don’ts’ of business on a practical level, the path to entrepreneurial success requires strong personal motivation rooted in a determination to succeed.
“This understanding was apparent in the demeanor of all who took part, alongside the build-up of business knowledge accumulated across all sessions.
“I have no doubt that ‘Steps to Business’ will serve as the perfect launch pad for participants to follow their business dreams.”
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “We are firm in our belief that entrepreneurial talent is everywhere and regard it as our mission to combat inequality by delivering opportunities for people who have been denied the chances their ability deserves.
“As such, and making us unique in the social housing sector, UE actively promotes entrepreneurship as a career to individuals who are not traditionally encouraged by the sector to follow this path.
“Promoting workshops and masterclasses at our three business centres are an essential part of what we do, with ‘Steps to Business’ a particularly effective vehicle for business achievement.”