Into Enterprise (2005 – 2007)

Aim of project: To support people in starting up businesses but also into PAYE employment if the client changed their mind. The project took a systematic approach to meeting the needs of people who required ‘extra’ support to review/progress to self-employment.  This was done through:

• Reaching them via community outreach work, providing innovative/ongoing ways of letting them explore enterprise options and introducing them to what may be appropriate non traditional options (home based, part-time, tele and social enterprise)
• To help them progress providing them with a flexible ‘enterprising fundamentals’ programme, covering key topics
• Combining this with individual support (and access to resources) to work on their business plan. 

Working with people with disabilities, BAME groups, lone parents, long-term unemployed the project offered coaching, training, advice and other support to over 100 entrepreneurs in East London.  The project came to an end in June 2007. 

Out of the 100 clients 55 New Local Businesses were created.   Into enterprise provided free and heavily subsidised marketing opportunities and opportunities for clients to sell their products and services, where appropriate using client services for example photography services.