Self Employment Programme
• overcomes personal barriers and limits to success •
• provides complete and practical start up business advice •
• offers ongoing contact and support •
• provides complete and practical start up business advice •
• offers ongoing contact and support •
Specialised start-up business support for people with challenging circumstances
At Enterprise Exchange we are very aware that many people dream of running their own business and have inspiring ideas, but for various reasons, they have barriers to face and hurdles to get over and this can stop people even thinking about starting a business.
We have extensive experience of working with people from deprived areas and with disadvantaged backgrounds; many of our clients are offenders, ex-offenders, long-term unemployed, have mental health issues, are lone parents or are from ethnic minority backgrounds.
We have extensive experience of working with people from deprived areas and with disadvantaged backgrounds; many of our clients are offenders, ex-offenders, long-term unemployed, have mental health issues, are lone parents or are from ethnic minority backgrounds.
What we offer
Workshops
Our workshops are for anybody needing support to start up a new business. They were developed following research we conducted into self-employment support for prisoners and ex-offenders. Our support is practical, non academic and is focused on confidence and self- esteem, as well as the technical skills for starting up in self-employment. This program was designed after research conducted in HMP Ford and HMP Lewes, in partnership with the University of Brighton.
The three workshops run over three days and cover an introduction to self-employment, business planning and sales and marketing. They are a chance for like minded people to come together to plan their new businesses and set up their own networks.
Workshops can be tailored for each group and we can vary the content to make it relevant. The workshops include:
Our workshops are for anybody needing support to start up a new business. They were developed following research we conducted into self-employment support for prisoners and ex-offenders. Our support is practical, non academic and is focused on confidence and self- esteem, as well as the technical skills for starting up in self-employment. This program was designed after research conducted in HMP Ford and HMP Lewes, in partnership with the University of Brighton.
The three workshops run over three days and cover an introduction to self-employment, business planning and sales and marketing. They are a chance for like minded people to come together to plan their new businesses and set up their own networks.
Workshops can be tailored for each group and we can vary the content to make it relevant. The workshops include:
Introduction to Self Employment
All clients receive a comprehensive workbook to support them in their learning and a reference long term |
Business Planning
All clients to receive business plan template and guide as part of this workshop |
Sales and Marketing
All clients to receive marketing and sales guide as part of this workshop |
One to one meetings
These give our clients the chance to talk through their ideas in a supportive environment. We are able to look at issues of self esteem, confidence and wellbeing, as well as business planning.
Follow up support
This continues once businesses get going. We have been involved with many people for whom starting their own business has turned their lives around and given them much more than just a regular income.
Peer to peer programme
We can offer a peer to peer self employment service when appropriate. Please get in touch so we can discuss your requirements.
These give our clients the chance to talk through their ideas in a supportive environment. We are able to look at issues of self esteem, confidence and wellbeing, as well as business planning.
Follow up support
This continues once businesses get going. We have been involved with many people for whom starting their own business has turned their lives around and given them much more than just a regular income.
Peer to peer programme
We can offer a peer to peer self employment service when appropriate. Please get in touch so we can discuss your requirements.
|
“I have really enjoyed the workshop - An incredible understanding of how simple things really are. Thank you for your expertise and time to tell us how to run a business.”
“This workshop has helped me so much. I have gained a lot of confidence by meeting new people and listening to their views and experiences. Enterprise Exchange and Shaw Trust are excellent companies, they help people like myself get where they want to be in life. I have enjoyed this course, I am happy with the tools I’ve been given for later in life.” Shaw Trust clients, Leicester |
The course was well thought out in 'lesson plans' with a coherent progression. Friendly, safe environment where everyone was treated as an equal and there was no fear of speaking or asking stupid questions. Thank you to all the team for your help and support which has made me think differently of actions required and marketing.
JP, Let's Do Business Group Workshop, Newhaven |
"The programme has been so well received by the guys that have taken part. I know that the mentees have found the support from Phil and Benna really helpful and the course has given them a real focus with exercises and projects to work on outside of the sessions."
LH, ETE Advisor, Thames Valley Community Rehabilitation Company Limited, Milton Keynes |
|
"Easy to understand and lots of helpful information. Enjoyable and relaxed, not like other courses that are stifled where you are just taking notes or listening to a powerpoint presentation. Engaging and interactive."
MG, Guildford Probation |
"Enterprise Exchange opened my eyes to the possibility of setting up my own business, which I thought was impossible in my circumstances. They have been helpful in terms of knowledge, guidance and advice. They advised me as to the necessary things to do, with regards to business set up."
APA, Client, Shaw Trust, Wembley |
"I’ve worked alongside Phil and Benna for a few years now and the thing that strikes you most about them is their passion and enthusiasm. They really care about the people they work with and this, coupled with their knowledge of the sectors they work within, helps them achieve some high quality results. Both are excellent, natural coaches and communicators and they constantly strive to improve their skills to further assist and positively impact on their clients."
SD, Director, Development Garden, Hastings
SD, Director, Development Garden, Hastings
|
"Great help with mission statement, finding a unique selling point and executive summary. Really inspirational to the point I almost completed my business plan and came up with more than half of a pitch for potential clients."
JF, Hyde Housing, London |
"My personal view is that the role of Enterprise Exchange in prison is vital and a catalyst to an effective rehabilitation that some prisoners need. Your role also enthuses them not to be dependent on someone else to provide them employment on release."
AB, Chief Executive, UK Resettlement, Maidstone |
"The course was very motivating and inspiring. Even with juggling two babies I managed to create a business and a not for profit social club (250 members) - and that was mostly down to your course boosting my confidence and giving me a kick start in the right direction. I’ve received many awards and we are still growing! It’s still hard work but I’m pretty certain I wouldn’t have made it to this point without attending your course!"
MM, Hyde Housing client, Brighton |
|
“I would just like to thank Benna McCartney from Enterprise Exchange for three brilliant telephone sessions. The many reflective skills she used to cut through the pile of issues I was facing were extremely helpful. I particularly found 'mind mapping' and our subsequent discussions to identify my core values/purpose for future employment, really useful. I have left my sessions with a sense of openness, a newfound trust in allowing myself to respond to opportunities as they arise, and clarity. Thank you so much – wonderful!”
CD, Coast to Capital client, West Sussex "Clear, practical, inspirational. Very personable workshop leader. Step by step stages in understandable chunks." Denne Construction Company, Brighton |
"Every part of this course was great, I learnt so much I really did. I actually feel I have a future and I know it’s achievable and I know how to get there."
"The course showed us that although the task of starting a business is daunting, its manageable and the resources and help is out there where required." "It was good being able to ask any questions you like, also when Phil would refer to us individually he would talk about our specific companies to give us a good idea." "I have enjoyed all of the course. Phil puts things over in a simple but effective and relaxed way. I even overcame my shyness to stand in front of everyone. A course that should be repeated." HMP Birmingham, clients |
“I think the course itself is potentially life changing with regard to information given.” “The course was engaging and interactive and the small group was ideal for me.” “Phil presented very well, he had good knowledge and was clear and concise.” “The tutor’s outgoing personality made it very easy to take everything in and stay alert.”
Guildford Probation, clients
Guildford Probation, clients
|
“The course gave me awareness of what’s out there. My self-confidence built up as did self-esteem, and I met an amazing tutor who didn’t make me feel intimidated by the course. I also met like-minded people who are prepared to give it a go.”
NS, Hyde Housing, London |
"Out of the 5 years in prison the Enterprise Exchange program has been the most useful one I have attended and the one in which I am most grateful for, as it is the one that has been largely responsible for me becoming a success. If this program was run in more prisons and more often I am sure the amount of people that re offend and return to prison would reduce drastically."
CE, HMP Lewes, client |
"Enterprise Exchange has proven to be more than them simply fulfilling a contract, as the directors bring so much more with them. Their connections within the business community, their understanding of the challenges faced by offenders and their committment to supporting those with whom they work, both inside and outside the prison, bring valuable resources to the partnership working within HMP Lewes."
JO, Resettlement Partnership Manager, HMP Lewes (Retired) |