FIRST launches start-up programme to encourage entrepreneurship

The first cohort of a new skills programme aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship are celebrating after completing the course.

Delivered by FIRST, the Level 1 Award is open to residents across Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside and South Tyneside and provides learners with essential skills and confidence to share and challenge ideas, hopes and fears about starting a new business or career.

The programme is led by entrepreneurial expert Sam Clegg and takes six weeks to complete. It covers topics such as networking, coping with ambiguity, risk and uncertainty and how to ask for help in the North East business community.

Karen, a start-up entrepreneur who was part of the first cohort, said: “Before I started the course, I was made redundant and was wondering what I was going to do.

“Now I have got something to do and it makes me extremely happy knowing it’s going to be alright.”

Charlotte Windebank, managing director of FIRST, added: “Thanks to North of Tyne Combined Authority and South Tyneside Council, we can provide these meaningful activities for residents.

“Now more than ever, leadership and progression skills are vital for our communities and economy to recover from the pandemic.

“I am so proud of what the learners and the FIRST team have achieved so far.”

The start-up course has been designed to link with the local business ecosystem an EntreComp – the European framework for entrepreneurial skills.

As well as the qualification, all learners receive 1-2-1 progression sessions with connections to local enterprise agencies, networking events and industry contacts to ensure legacy and next steps are achievable.

FIRST are currently recruiting for the second cohort of learners. For more information, contact [email protected]