WOULD-BE ENTREPRENEURS are taking advantage of a new incubation programme of support.
Funded by West Northamptonshire Council and using £40,000 of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Vulcan Creatives is a free, six-month programme run by the Vulcan Works flexible workspace in Northampton. It aims to support individuals with their business idea by developing the concept further, creating a business plan and teaching the entrepreneurial skills needed to succeed.
The programme will be led by Vulcan Works’ business growth manager Darren Smith, an entrepreneur who has started and sold businesses and worked in mentoring roles over the last 20 years. It aims to support at least 40 entrepreneurs in becoming enterprise-ready over the next two years and is open to Northamptonshire residents aged 18 and above with an interest in exploring their own business ventures and an openness to new ideas and growth ambitions.
Vulcan Wiorks in Northampton, home to Vulcan Creatives.
Mr Smith said: “As a Vulcan Works is a creative hub, this scheme is aimed at new businesses in the creative sector, or those with creative ideas for new businesses. We are hoping that many entrepreneurs will benefit from this programme.”
Participants need to commit to a minimum two days a week for the programme and to engage in one-to-one business support and coaching activities. The programme expects to welcome its first cohort in January 2024, with applications closing in December. Preference will be given to those looking to set up a creative business.
Participants in Vulcan Creatives will also receive free access to Vulcan Works facilities during the programme.
“I look forward to working with local creative visionaries to bring their business idea to life and guide them through the process of exploring, validating and developing their idea into a fully-fledged business plan,” Mr Smith said.
“Together, we will cultivate entrepreneurial skills that will enable this exclusive group of Vulcan Creatives to build a like-minded community of business owners who can confidently lead their very own enterprises to success.”
Cllr Dan Lister pictured left, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We are invested in enabling the creation and growth of start-ups, entrepreneurs and local businesses. We are thrilled to allocate our UKSPF funding to this scheme that is focused on supporting creative entrepreneurs to start within West Northants.
“The Vulcan Creatives programme will see new start-ups receive the support they need to grow and flourish, which has the potential to make a real positive change to our local economy.”
Find out more about Vulcan Creatives and how to apply for a free place on the first cohort starting in January at vulcanworks.co.uk/vulcan-creatives/. The closing deadline for applications is December 8.
Main photo: James Robinson.
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