A group of start-up entrepreneurs have just graduated from the Essex Entrepreneurs Programme as part of a free business programme set up to help people gain entrepreneurial skills and commercialise their business ideas. The programme was run by the Eastern Enterprise Hub (EE Hub) in Colchester in conjunction with the Essex County Council’s (ECC’s) Essex Innovation Programme (EIP) who funded the project.
"It was wonderful to see that an enthusiastic bunch of Essex-based entrepreneurs graduated, which has again proven to be a rewarding partnership between the EE Hub and Essex County Council. Having the confidence to pitch and share their business ideas during the marketplace to our partners, board members and staff, is key to setting up a company and having the courage and determination to make it a success."
Digby Chacksfield, CEO, the EE Hub
Graduating with a view to setting up a business in Essex
The Essex Entrepreneurs Programme enables entrepreneurs to develop everything they need to know about running their own enterprise. Two of the graduates put their training into action at the graduation ceremony with refreshments provided by their company, Wunderbar, a mobile cocktail bar.
Graduation certificates were presented by Jolyon Berry from Birketts, EE Hub board member and ECC’s Economic Growth & Regeneration Manager, Helen Code and EIP’s Innovation and Sector Development Manager, Sarah Bell.
“Essex has always had a thriving population of entrepreneurs and it’s good to see this continue with the Essex Entrepreneurs Programme. We are really pleased to have supported this work in helping people with great business ideas access the professional help they needed to develop those ideas.”
Sarah Bell, Innovation and Sector Development Manager, Essex Innovation Programme
EE Hub working with EIP
EIP worked with the EE Hub to reach entrepreneurs and provide training and support. EIP works with established companies and small businesses to help them to develop, and take to market, innovative products and services.
The EE Hub encourages individuals living in Essex to have an entrepreneurial mind-set, through a range of learning programmes.
“I am delighted that we were once again working with the Essex Innovation Programme to deliver another dynamic business programme, designed to help Essex-based individuals become more entrepreneurial and to start/run an enterprise.”
Digby Chacksfield, CEO, the EE Hub
About the Essex Entrepreneurs Programme
The Essex Entrepreneurs Programme is a highly practical course for entrepreneurs who want to launch and monetise their business idea. It enables people looking to develop a good understanding of setting up and running their own business.
Attendees go through a range of subjects and training sessions and hear from successful entrepreneurs as well as meeting and working with other aspiring/existing entrepreneurs, with the aim of gaining confidence as well as practical knowledge.
See the Eastern Enterprise Hub Colchester website here
See here for more information on the Essex Innovation Programme
