Employment specialist,
Working Links, has been awarded European funding to launch a new
initiative to help people from disadvantaged communities set up
their own businesses.
The Enterprise Coaching programme is a three
year programme working with people from some of the most
under-represented groups in Plymouth. It is part of the Plymouth
Urban Enterprise Strategic Investment Framework working alongside
Intensive Start Up Support.
The project has secured funding through the
South West European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with more than
£450,000 invested. The same amount of funding has come from the
South West RDA (Regional Development Agency), bringing total
funding for the project to £916,000 over three years.
Participants in the programme will be able to
take part in a variety of free workshops to help build their
knowledge and skills ready for self-employment, and will be given
the opportunity to gain relevant qualifications to help realise
their ambitions. Participants will also be given access to funding
and be able to take full advantage of any community level finance
initiatives to help get their business off the ground.
Frances Brennan, Working Links’ Director for
the South West, added: “This programme will help hundreds of people
overcome their barriers to work. Working Links has an excellent
track record of helping people find sustained employment and we
pride ourselves on tailoring our package to suit the needs of our
customers.
“We will be working with a variety of
organisations to ensure the programme is delivered effectively and
the people of Plymouth are given the best chance to succeed.”
Nigel Howells, head of ERDF Competitiveness
programmes at the RDA, said: “The aim of the project is to promote
the development and growth of businesses within deprived
communities in Plymouth. We hope it will lead to an increase
in job and economic opportunities within these communities and the
development of an enterprise culture across the region.
“We anticipate the project will assist 680
individuals over the programme period, to include 75 new
enterprises, and we’re delighted that we’re able to support
programmes such as these and encourage growth within the
region.”
In developing the Enterprise Coaching project,
Working Links involved local organisations including Fata He,
Citizens Advice Bureau, Arts Matrix, Shekinah Mission and Plymouth
Area Business Network.
Working Links is currently working in Plymouth
to help long-term unemployed people – those who have been out of
work for longer than 12 months – find sustainable employment.
Over the last ten years, Working Links has helped more than
140,000 people across the UK get back into work. To find out more
about Working Links call 0800 917 9262.