Member Article

New enterprise programme launches for Newcastle’s young entrepreneurs

Budding entrepreneurs, aged 16-24, who are looking to turn an idea into a business are being invited to join a free Newcastle enterprise programme.

Recruitment is now underway for Business Sparks, a newly-launched short course run by Reviving the Heart of the West End (RHWE).

Spaces are available for up to 30 people who would like to work with business advisers and business mentors to explore ideas and get help and guidance on how to start a business.

Hannah Morrow, development officer at Business Sparks, said: “We offer local people really practical, hands-on advice and support. Our informal and relaxed workshops run every week, and we can even provide access to free office space, events, mentors and a start-up grant.

“We’re really excited to announce our next Business Sparks programme will start on Tuesday October 3 2017 at John Buddle Work Village and registration is open now for anyone who would like to take part.”

During the course, there is a series of evening workshops on marketing, finance, research, sales, and social media for business.

Business advisers will also provide 1:1 advice and there’s lots of other business support that will be made available including expertise and guidance from our business mentors.

According to Hannah, Business Sparks has helped over 100 young people to complete the course with 15 businesses started up.

A recent success was Paradice Clothing, a new online clothing brand established by brother and sister team James and Nikki Boyle.

The business sells T-shirts, shirts and trousers, which all include Paradice’s trademark dice motif. As well as business support, Business Sparks facilitated mentoring from Julie Blackie, a director behind the hugely successful North East clothing retailer Pink Boutique.

Nikki Boyle said: “Business Sparks has been running for many years now and the team has lots of experience helping young people like us to start our own business.

“The help and support from the Business Sparks adviser was invaluable and we couldn’t believe it when we were offered the chance to meet a mentor and were connected with the directors of Pink Boutique.

“The experience has been fantastic and we have learned so much that is helping us with our own business Paradice Clothing.”

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