Have you ever dreamed of being your own boss, turning a hobby into a business, or making money from a skill you already have?
If you’re a Barking and Dagenham resident who is currently out of work, a new free Enterprise Support Programme could help you take the first step towards self-employment and starting your own business.
Whether you have a clear business idea, a side hustle you’d like to grow, or simply want to explore self-employment as an option, this programme provides expert advice, practical training and personalised support to help you succeed.
Participants will receive tailored support from experienced business advisers, including:
- One-to-one business mentoring
- Business and action planning
- Marketing, branding and social media guidance
- Budgeting, pricing and financial forecasting
- HMRC registration support
- Legal and compliance advice
- Sales and customer growth strategies
- Training on digital and AI tools, including Canva and ChatGPT
- Support to apply for a start-up grant (subject to eligibility, availability and engagement with the programme)
The programme is designed to help build your confidence, develop your business ideas and give you the tools needed to turn those ideas into a sustainable source of income.
You don’t need to have everything planned before joining. If you have a passion, a skill, a trade or simply an interest in working for yourself, this support can help you explore your options and create a clear path forward.
Who Can Take Part?
You can join the programme if you:
- Live in Barking and Dagenham
- Are currently not working
- Want to become self-employed
- Have a business idea you would like to develop
- Need support to start or grow a small business
This is a fantastic opportunity to access free expert support, develop valuable business skills and take the first steps towards building a business of your own.
