Do you have a great business idea but lack the funding or expertise to make it a reality?
As part of the Council’s commitment to support small local business, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has launched this year’s Entrepreneur Academy in partnership with East Surrey College. It is free to join, and applications are now available on the Council’s website.
Places are open to anyone aged over 18 with a new business idea and living within the Borough of Reigate & Banstead. Places are filling fast so early application is advised.
The programme includes a six-month course, starting in September, held at East Surrey College in Redhill. Candidates will learn the essential skills needed to set up a business, which includes business planning, finance, marketing, networking, business law, and online business promotion.
The programme will conclude with a Dragons’ Den style presentation where entrants will pitch their business ideas to a panel of local business leaders with the opportunity of winning £5000 to put their ideas into practice.
Cintia Yankelvich, founder of Vegan Crazy and winner of the Entrepreneur Academy 2021, said: “I joined the Academy with the hope of sorting out my business plan – never in a million years did I expect to win! I really enjoyed working with such a warm and supportive group of fellow entrepreneurs. If you have an idea, go for it!”
Dan Reynolds from RH Networking, who took part in the 2021 Academy, said: “If you are new to being self-employed and want to learn about all the things you need to do, then this programme is definitely for you. Not only will you gain valuable information from the expert speakers, but you will meet other like-minded new business owners and find that you have a ready-made network of people to bounce ideas off and to get advice from.”
Visit the Council’s website to sign up for the Entrepreneur Academy.
