Free courses for the unemployed on how to start up a business to be available from June

By Rachael Griffiths

Free courses for those who are unemployed or starting up a business will be available from June 23.

Residents in Surrey Quays and Southwark who are unemployed and or economically inactive can book a free online course to help them get started in business.

The charity Tree Shepherd in partnership with Paddington Development Trust will run a Free Employ Yourself course at The Thrive Workplace in Surrey Quays for six weeks.

The courses are led by experienced tutors and business advisors and provide advice on steps for starting a business.

Participants will develop their ideas, design a business plan, learn about cash flow and how to make that first crucial sale, with an induction on June 16 at Thrive Workspace in Surrey Quays.

Sandra Ferguson, CEO of Tree Shepherd, a social enterprise helping disadvantaged people across London said: “We want to show people, especially the unemployed, that they can realise their dreams and run a business.

“With the advice and guidance that our tutors and advisors provide they can be running a successful enterprise in no time.”

Even when the course finishes, Tree Shepherd’s mentors will still give ongoing business advice to participants.

Marie Dove completed her course in July 2020. She said: “I found the course very informative and the facilitator Georgina equally knowledgeable and helpful.

“The delivery was in easy-to-follow modules and although there was a lot to do each week, the course was at just the right level even for beginners.

“The support team was brilliant and ensured all slides and notes were made available weekly.

“The course definitely exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend it.”