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How to access free business training from start up pros

Gateshead-based team Learn Smarta has backed more than ten thousand UK entrepreneurs with, more than £100m is offering free training to help people startup their own business.

Learn Smarta is a fast, flexible online training course to provide all the business basics in just six weeks. Funded by the European Social Fund, the training is free to people living in Tyne and Wear or Northumberland (subject to eligibility).

The course has been designed by the people behind Transmit Startups, who have witnessed first-hand a surge in interest in entrepreneurship over the past year, with applications for Start Up Loans increasing threefold.

The organisation spotted a gap in the market for business startup training that prepares startups for success - delivering accessible, qualification-standard education that’s grounded in real life entrepreneurial experiences.

Their startup fundamentals programme is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, founders and freelancers. Practical support helps to top-up existing skills and teaches entirely new ones - giving you everything you need to be your own boss.

My story: Helen from Gateshead

Helen Stuart from Knitted Up North

Helen Stuart signed up to Learn Smarta to find out how she can make more of her crafting side hustle so it can help pay the bills and play a bigger part in her working life. After six weeks working with Learn Smarta tutors, she feels more confident and informed about the choices she’s making with both her business and her job.

“My business Knitted Up North grew from a hobby.

“I started selling to friends and family, and they loved my fun and colourful designs. Their feedback made me realise this could become an alternative source of income and might even be able to replace some of my full-time job in the future.”

Learn Smarta helped Helen with business planning, financial forecasting, marketing ideas and more.

“I was so naïve when I first set it up, though. I created an online shop on Folksy, listed some items, announced it on social media and then sat back and wondered where my customers were! I thought it was as simple as saying, ‘These are for sale!’ I now know there is much more to it. I dabbled with it for three years, but knew I needed to approach it in a more organised way if I was to really make it work.

“Then, I read about the Learn Smarta course on a blog I follow, and it really inspired me.

“I just thought, ‘What have I got to lose?’ and decided to give it a go. I loved the flexibility of how it’s delivered. The mixture of live and on-demand sessions mean you can catch up at weekends or at night, and can fit it around anything.

“My dream is to work part-time and run the business with the other part of my week and I now know this is possible.”

Is it for me?

If you’ve got the glimmer of a good idea then Learn Smarta can help you bring it to life.

Discover everything you need to know to become the boss of your own successful business, from testing the water with market research, to developing a business plan and applying for funding.

Gain real-world business smarts from entrepreneurial experts, through interactive live learning sessions, 1-2-1 tutorials, group classes, and lifelong access to recordings and worksheets.

What’s next?

Visit www.smarta.com/learn to find out how the training can help you and to secure your place on the next cohort. Fully-funded places are limited so early booking is recommended.

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