CALL US ON 0845 8389964

Thank you, your email address has been added to the latest offers newsletter.
 
Search

Providing your organisation
with Quality Training and
Business Support

Practical advice and training, designed to help Gloucestershire businesses to grow, develop and prosper.

Support Categories

Workshops

Chance of a Lifetime

Ben Seizes a Chance of a Lifetime

Thanks to the Dean Entrepreneurs Programme, Ben Ballard, 33, seized the chance of a lifetime and opened his own Web Development and Graphic Design business. Based in Mitcheldean, Relax Design is trading well and Ben is plotting steady business growth.

“I found the Dean Entrepreneurs immensely useful, after years of ill health it has finally given me a glimmer of hope and some invaluable practical advice about the ins and outs of running a business,” he said. “ One unexpected aspect which has been and will continue to be a source of support is the network of people and their businesses fostered by the programme and encouraged by the course leader, who has made it an interesting and enjoyable place to learn.”

The programme is supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas. The project is being delivered through the South West of England Regional Development Agency with Defra as the Managing Authority.

Thanks to Gloucestershire Enterprise who run the course and the funding provided by the Local Action Group, I have learned that the more you know, the more you can do," he added.

After leaving Dean Magna School, Ben studied at the Royal Forest of Dean College. Following this he took on a number of jobs in the creative industry but always dreamt of working for himself.

"The Dean Entrepreneurs scheme was perfect for me," says Ben. "It's given me a valuable insight into running a business and shown me that good support can help you achieve things you never thought you were capable of."

This specialist business start-up course has helped eleven forest based people kick-start their business dreams, all with firm plans and financials to help them launch and survive the current economic conditions, according to Kevin Holt, Gloucestershire Enterprise, Managing Director.

"The course adopts a practical approach to starting up a business," explains Kevin. "One of the first sessions concentrates on whether each budding entrepreneur really feels they have the commitment to launch and run a business. Whilst some people haven't thought through what it takes to run a business, others have so many ideas that they need help in sorting them into a logical framework from which a solid business can emerge."

To find out more about business start up training, please call 0845 838 9963 and speak to one of the Business Support team or alternatively email businesssupport@glosenterprise.co.uk

Top

Next Event

Enterprise Club

25th May 2012 (10:00 AM-4:00 PM) Learn more »

Twitter

Last 2 places for our 2-day Business Start Up course 15th & 17th May http://t.co/9vukgkn0 Call 0845 838 9963 to book a place
3 days, 18 hours, 43 minutes ago

Thinking of starting a business? Our Enterprise Clubs provide FREE support & advice http://t.co/ja8ig87W #enterpriseclub
3 days, 18 hours, 50 minutes ago

@Drake_Ac_Travel. Good luck with your BBC3 opportunity...Brilliant news!
12 days, 2 hours, 11 minutes ago

Affiliated Partners