Gateshead Council is offering adults living in Gateshead the chance to make the leap to self-employment - but they're ensuring that it's a leap they won't have to make on their own.
Instead, some of the region's most
prominent local business people have once again been called on to assume the role of Dragons in a re-run of Gateshead's own Dragon's Den project - reassuringly called "Not All Dragons Bite" - which has already helped dozens of local people to start up their own successful business ventures.
Just like the TV series, people wishing to set up their own businesses will be asked to pitch their ideas to the 'Dragons'. But first, they'll participate in a series of free 'one to one' and group enterprise coaching sessions to help build their confidence, explore and develop their business idea, and perfect their pitching techniques.
The project is available to anyone living in Low Fell, High Fell, Chowdene, Lamesley and Birtley. However, applications from other areas of Gateshead will be considered.
The project benefits from £500,675 of European Union investment from the ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, managed by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG). This is an independent service which complies with the standards set by the government for Enterprise Coaching services – part of the Solutions for Business portfolio of business support.
For further information or to take part in the project, please contact the council's Economic Development Team on: 0191 477 3747 or email: dragons@gateshead.gov.uk|