Self Employment Programme

We are very excited to introduce our remote self-employment training programme. This programme can be made bespoke to your client group. For example, each person could be allocated a business advisor to support with the practicalities of business set-up and a case manager to help with general organisation, building self-confidence and self-esteem.

What is included:

A four day self-employment workshop programme (including a new 'confidence in starting a business' workshop). Please see below for details
Fully trained business advisors give one to one phone, email and video conferencing support via Teams or Zoom, to enable participants to put together a realistic business plan and give them all the confidence needed to start their business
Case manager confidence building and organisational support continues throughout the whole business set-up process, to keep participants on track throughout the programme
An augmented reality business start-up workbook which gives access to training, information and support videos
We offer a peer to peer self-employment service, which we see has such a powerful effect in supporting people through the ups and downs of self-employment, so they are more likely to be successful in the longer term
Essential business templates, a weekly timetable template, a business checklist with the top 10 tips for setting up a business and an action planning support journal
Funding access via the government Start-Up Loan Scheme or Fredericks Foundation (only for social enterprises) can be accessed if appropriate.

This remote self-employment programme is already being delivered across the UK in conjunction with the Work and Health Programme and is the first of its kind. In the current climate, this programme will deliver the best quality self-employment support to your participants, at the highest level at great value.

This is a nine month support programme, including peer to peer support groups and in-work support. We can tailor our programme to suit your organisation and participant needs, either for the short or longer term.

Four day self-employment workshops content

Introduction
to self employment

Introductions
Pros and cons of self-employment
Legal status for your company
Tax and benefits
How to plan for success
Objective setting
Introduction to marketing and sales
Start-up funding for your business
Resources and tips
Action plans and wrap up

Business planning

Introductions
Why you need a business plan
Your business vision
How to structure a business plan
What needs to be in a business plan
Resources and tips
Cash-flow forecasting
Action plans and wrap up

Sales and marketing

Introductions
Difference between sales and marketing
Why is market research important
How to do market research
Unique selling point and elevator pitch
Sales process and marketing tactics
Introduction to digital marketing
Resources and tips
Action plans and wrap up

Confidence
in starting a business

Introductions
Motivation to start and run a successful business
Personal SWOT analysis
Wheel of life
Time management, work/life balance video
Resilience and support
Q&A

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

“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 participants
Leicester

"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