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New free course for young would-be entrepreneurs

Young people on Merseyside who want to be their own boss are being offered some expert advice on how to achieve their goal on a free course that begins next month. Award-winning Bootle-based business support organisation Regenerus is running the ten-day Ignite course for 18 to 24-year-olds as part of its Talent Match programme, which aims to create up to 40 new sustainable businesses run by young people.

The course gets under way on Tuesday 14th April at the Regenerus HQ at the Investment Centre at 375 Stanley Road in Bootle town centre. The new programme follows the success of the initial Talent Match Ignite course at the end of last year. Graduates from this course are now busy setting up their own businesses.

According to Regenerus Chief Executive, Cate Murphy, the Ignite programme is aimed at young would-be entrepreneurs who want to set up their own businesses for a variety of reasons. While some may have hit upon a great idea to fill a gap in the market, others may have a particular talent or skill they want to sell, or be passionate about providing a specific service.

“Whatever the impetus, the aim of this course is to give participants the knowledge, skills and contacts they need to get their business ideas off the ground,” explained Cate.

Key elements of the Talent Match package include a £250 start-up grant and three months’ ongoing mentoring from a successful entrepreneur. Other parts of the course include practical help with developing an image and brand, and advice aimed at helping participants to lose their fear of finance and learn how to crowdfund their ideas.

It also incorporates one-to-one support from qualified business advisers, introductions to useful contacts and networking opportunities with other young entrepreneurs.

Cate Murphy added: “This course offers a wide range of information and advice on how to turn a business idea into reality, and we hope it attracts a lot of interest from the many young people on Merseyside whose ambition is to be their own boss.”

The graduates from the first course included Ashley Rotchell and Bryony Mercer who are talented artists and looking to write and publish their own graphic novels. The two women say that after the Ignite course they are much more confident about the way to progress their business idea.

The Talent Match programme is open to young people aged from 18-24 who live on Merseyside who are not currently in employment or at college, with all expenses paid. To book a place on the course ring Donna Dutton at Regenerus on 0151 934 2637.