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Entrepreneurship course Ignites latest Liverpool business talent

A Merseyside business support agency has held a ‘passing out parade’ for the latest graduates of its training programme for young would-be entrepreneurs.

Regenerus organised a presentation ceremony at its Investment Centre headquarters in Bootle for six young people who have successfully completed its Ignite course, funded by the Liverpool City Region Talent Match programme.

The 10-week course – aimed at 18-24 year olds who have been out of work or education for 12 months – is designed to help participants turn their ideas, skills or passions into a small business.

Using a mixture of presentations, practical exercises and team events, it helps the young people to define their business, identify who would buy their product or service, and learn how to market it.

Other sessions focus on the importance of social media, pitching for crowdfunding support and making a promotional film.

The business ideas of the young people on the latest course include app development, fashion design, comic book writing and film-making and community journalism.

Regenerus business advisers and peer mentors are now working with them to help them turn their business ideas into reality and begin trading.

Regenerus business development manager, Eve Money, saidd: “This has been an exciting programme to work on because it’s great to see the young people exploring the opportunities that entrepreneurship or self-employment can provide.

“They have got some excellent business ideas, and a huge amount of enthusiasm and drive to get their new enterprises off the ground.

“We’re very grateful to our tutors, specialist trainers and mentors, for all the support they’ve provided to the young people during the course of the programme,” she added.

Regenerus is now recruiting young entrepreneurs from across Merseyside for its next Ignite course starting in September.

All transport and meal costs are provided and young people who go on to set up a business also receive a £250 grant for their new company.