Talent Match

From 2013 to 2017 Regenerus ran a Talent Match programme, a free package of training and support for young people thinking of starting their own business.

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The ‘Be Your Own Boss’ course for 18 to 24 year olds living in Sefton, Liverpool and Wirral was run in partnership with Merseyside Youth Association. The package of support included workshops, business advice, mentoring and a start-up grant.

Key elements of Talent Match included helping young people to recognise the skills they already had, expert advice on their business ideas, market research techniques to help them investigate the industry they were entering, practical help with developing an image and brand, and an introduction to finance.

The course also provided one-to-one support from a business adviser and three months’ ongoing mentoring from a successful entrepreneur.

Abbie-Lou Austin, a graduate of the programme, launched her business, Simply Dance and Fitness, in Seaforth in April 2016, offering a range of drama and dance classes, including Zumba. She said: “Taking part in the Be Your Own Boss programme was invaluable. It wasn’t just about the new business skills I gained, but the business advice and mentoring support after the course really motivated me to get started, and I am so glad I did. The business is going from strength to strength.”

Regenerus Chair, Councillor John Fairclough, added: “This programme offered a wide range of information and advice on how to turn a business idea into reality. The aim was to give young people the knowledge, skills and contacts they needed to get their business ideas off the ground.”