Enterprise Club - Inspiring Enterprise

Enterprise Club News

Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Now Open for Applications

The Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year aims to recognise entrepreneurial talent in young people throughout the UK.

Winners will not only receive a cheque for £10,000, but also support and media exposure.

UK entrepreneurs aged between 16 and 30 on 6 September 2010 are eligible to apply. Businesses must have been trading for not less than three months and not more than 18 months on 6 September 2010.

Applications to the awards must be submitted before 6 September 2010.

http://www.shell-livewire.org/awards/?competitionID=1277118832.246

2010 Lord Stafford Awards East Midlands

The Innovation in Development category has been adapted this year to encourage young businesses with new ideas, and individuals setting up a business for the first time to also apply - this may be the opportunity you have been waiting for, a chance to raise your profile across the region.

Remember to be eligible to apply there must be a collaboration between an East Midlands Business and an East Midlands University. The size of company can be large or small, and from the public or private sector. Submissions from previous applicants are also welcome.

There are 3 Award categories; Innovation in Development, Innovation Achieved and Innovation for Sustainability. Application forms and judges guidelines can be downloaded from the website, www.thelordstaffordawards.co.uk. For your chance to win £5,000 simply complete the application form and email it to me at E.P.Hinde@lboro.ac.uk by 12.00pm on Thursday 29th April.

Barclays One Small Step Competition

2010 will continue to be challenging for businesses and we want to help. So in addition to the free support we offer all companies, we’re going to give a £50,000 boost to ten brilliant business ideas out there.

The aim of the Barclays Business Take One Small Step Competition is to find people with ambition, passion and, most importantly, a great business idea.

The brief is open — it could be a lifelong ambition or a recent brainwave. It could be a personal experience or a distant dream. Even a revolutionary concept that changes the world. It’s an open invitation and anyone with a great business idea and the drive to make it happen could win.

Got a great business idea? From start-ups to existing businesses, anyone can pitch for the chance to turn a great idea into an even better reality.

Want to show your support? Do your bit for businesses. Get behind the competition and prepare to vote for your favourite idea.

Entry is open to UK residents (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18 and over at the time of entry, which includes any type of business.

Applications must be submitted by 16 May 2010.

For further information, please visit www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk.

Gradute Boost!

3e is a new social enterprise in partnership with The University of Northampton. We are currently running a scheme called Graduate Boost which enables graduates to undertake placements in small to medium sized enterprises of no more than 250 employees.

• Do you have an urgent project to deliver?
• Do you have a short-term skills shortage?
• Do you need extra resource to drive the business forward?

If you have answered 'Yes' to any of these questions, then 3e can help you.

We are currently seeking companies that would be interested in taking on an unemployed Graduate, Professional, or both, for a 4-6 week period to carry out a specific project, bespoke to your organisational needs.

Key features and benefits of Graduate Boost:

• The placements cost you nothing
• A fresh perspective on your business
• The Graduate or Professional will help improve your business by completing a bespoke project
• You can choose to host one or multiple graduates

Visit us at www.graduateboost.co.uk for more information or to apply, alternatively email at graduateboost@northampton.ac.uk or telephone 01536 527448 and we will be happy to arrange an appointment with you.

Applications Now Welcomed for The Pitch 2010

Entries are now being invited for The Pitch 2010.

The Pitch is an annual competition which aims to find the UK's most exciting and innovative small companies and entrepreneurial talent. Entrants must pitch their business idea to a panel of industry experts who will scrutinise business concepts and presentation skills, searching for the best of the best.

Successful entrepreneurs will be chosen from five regions to present their product or service, with five winners plus a wildcard entry selected to go through to a live grand final in London. Business ideas may be in any field; however, the judges will assess all pitches by looking for innovation, engagement with customers, sound financial and business planning, and an understanding of where the opportunities exist in the market for the product or service.

In 2009, the winning entrepreneur received a package of business support prizes worth £50,000. For 2010, Sift Media has announced that it aims to compile a larger and more comprehensive package for the winner, which is to be announced in due course. Every entrant who takes part in The Pitch will receive expert advice on their business idea, guidance on their business plan and access to a range of business resources available from The Business Factory website. Each finalist will also receive extensive media coverage.

To enter, businesses must be based in the UK, established for less than three years at the time of entry and employ no more than 20 members of staff.

The deadline for entries to The Pitch 2010 is 15 June 2010.

The contest will fully begin after this date, with regional heats being held in Bristol, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Birmingham and London on the following dates:

• Bristol: 21 June 2010
• Liverpool: 1 July 2010
• London: 15 July 2010
• Edinburgh: 29 July 2010
• Birmingham: 5 August 2010

Any student who is studying a marketing qualification in the North of England (this includes the Isle of Man and North Wales) can apply to enter the competition.

All you need to do is get together with two other eligible students to form your team, discuss with your tutor and complete the on-line application form.

If you require more information email thepitch@cimnorth.co.uk.

Need help innovating?

16 hours of FREE expert support is currently available to established businesses seeking to develop new products or processes, or to generate additional income from their existing Intellectual Property (IP).

If you are an established business based in the East Midlands you could benefit from support available from ProspectIP. Whether you have existing Intellectual Property Rights (patents, trademarks, designs etc) that you feel could provide you with additional income through licensing, or you are innovationg with new products and new processes you could recieve the following support:-

• Free innovation support
• Free IP protection support
• Expert assessment of your innovation's commercial potential
• Market research and business plan support
• A plan to outline your innovation's future technical and funding challenges
• Assistance in protecting your innovation
• Access to training opportunities

The above is provided free of charge by ProspectIP, an innovation initiative of De Montfort University commercialisation of IP and innovations.

No strings attached!

The project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is free to eligible businesses. No ownership or financial return is sought from business supported and the inventor/owner retains all right to the intellectual property.

Further information

If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity or would like to know more, please contact ProspectIP on:

0116 257 7372 - prospectip@dmu.ac.uk - www.prospectip.co.uk

Route to Market - help to give your business direction

Route to Market is a business support programme from East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and forms part of emda's response to supporting business in the current economic climate.

Support for your business in the key areas of:

• Developing a business strategy
• Retaining and maximising the value of your current customers
• Recruiting and developing your staff
• Sales and marketing planning
• Managing your finances
• Providing a platform for future growth

The programme also supports the implementation of these skills within the business itself. Based on best practice these modules have been designed to assist your business both now and in the future.

Eligibility criteria and State Aid rules apply.

For more information, please visit www.route-to-market.co.uk.

College accounting students balance businesses books!

Accounting students at Northampton College are offering businesses a book-keeping and account preparation service. The new, mutually beneficial scheme will not only improve students' employment prospects, but will also provide a valuable assistance to local business start-ups.

In partnership with the University of Northampton Enterprise Club, a group of Level 3 Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) students will provide members with a number of book-keeping services.

Students are supervised by fully qualified lecturers, and will charge a nominal fee depending upon company turnover. Jane Humphreys, AAT lecturer and whose idea it was said "It's becoming increasingly apparent that experience makes all the difference when it comes to finding a job. This scheme will give our students that valuable first hand knowledge which will hopefully mean it is easier for them to secure employment when they leave college. The Level 3 learners work at a very high level and are competent in providing assistance with general administration, invoice preparation, income and expenditure analysis, profit and loss and balance sheets."

The Enterprise Club at The University of Northampton helps individuals with new business ideas or those who have already started their businesses. Janice Watkins, Project Leader said "It's a great idea. Book-keeping is often seen as one of those mundane tasks that tends to be put off, but all businesses need comprehensive accounts and this provision from the students at the College will really help out some of our clients. There's a huge pool of businesses to whom we can offer this service."

A flyer for this event is available here.

For more information please contact Michelle Ward on 01604 734055
michelle.ward@northamptoncollege.ac.uk or Jane Humphreys on 01604 736507
jane.humphreys@northamptoncollege.ac.uk

Enterprise Club Member nominated for award!

Do I have some amazing news!!!

I am very happy to let you know that I have been selected as a Finalist of the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards.

This is a massive global competition with 15 finalists selected from around the world.

Stage two of the competition will be held in Paris in October, I will be presenting my business plan to an eminent panel of judges and they will choose one winner from each continent!

There were 820 entrants from 79 countries so you can imagine how excited I am to be chosen as one of the three European finalists!

You can check out the link to the awards here and if you click on Europe you will be able to view my profile along with the other two European finalists.

I will let you know how I get on!

Kind Regards
Lisa Warner

Toastmasters International

Anyone seeking to improve their presentation skills, and especially speaking to groups, should explore what Toastmasters International can do to help. Best news of all is that it costs very little, is great fun, and is now available here in Northampton!

Meadow Speakers meet every first and third Tuesday each month, at 7:30 for 7:45 start at:

Liberty Hall
254 Wellingborough Road
Northampton
NN1 4EJ

(There is a purple banner next to the arch that says Fitzboodles.)

For further details please contact Dave Minzey on 0771 469 2894 or dave.minzey@btinternet.com

For a more fulsome picture of what you might expect to gain, please read on:-

There once was a girl who wanted to get feedback on her speaking skills. She nervously challenged her boundaries and promoted her work by taking on speaking opportunities. One day she discovered a terribly friendly group of Toastmasters in her local area…even though initially they were so cheery she thought they must just be an existing group of friends finding an excuse for another social.

A year on, she was presenting at a morning business breakfast meeting. Her week being what it had, she hadn’t practiced. Warned to expect 40 the room, she found by 7.30am the room swelled to 65 and she didn’t have sufficient handouts. Undeterred, she took to the stage, with only a healthy smidgen of nerves. Taking control of the room…as the audience would want her to.she delivered her presentation. The applause, response and feedback confirmed she'd exceeded expectations. Seeking the feedback of a professional public speaker present, she received "I was so engrossed, I didn't think and can't think of a thing to recommend."

I got up at 5.30am to get to Worcester this morning. I’ve had business leads already. These were the type of experienced businessmen with the average age of 50 who used to actively intimidate me. Nothing of the sort this time. I’ve never been asked for advice so rapidly in the 15 minutes following. I've already got other speaking invitations as a result.

If you know people who could do with the boost you already know Toastmasters gives your confidence, get them to come to our next meeting. Don’t keep Meadow Speakers a secret – it's a gift from you to someone else!

-- Clare Haynes, Wildfire Coaching, 27 January 2006.

Beat the Recession

Businesses across Daventry district are being invited to a free event offering practical help and support during the Recession.

The Beat the Recession event is being held on Monday, June 22, from 9am to 2.30pm in the Saxon Suite at Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, Daventry.

Organised by Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd (NEL) and Daventry District Council and supported by the Daventry Local Strategic Partnership, the free event will feature a series of workshops on cashflow management, sales and marketing, resource efficiency and sourcing public contracts, plus the opportunity to meet a range of business support organisations.

There will also be speakers from the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, Business Link, Jobcentre Plus and the Federation of Small Businesses.

Guest speaker for the day will be Mark Bradley of Dodmoor House, Weedon, one of the winners of the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards 2008. The event will be officially opened by Daventry District Council Leader Chris Millar.

Cathy Martin, Enterprise and Innovation Manager at Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd, said: "This event is a real opportunity for local businesses to find out more about the wide range of support available to them during the current challenging climate."

"Workshops and speakers throughout the day will provide practical advice and information on a range of topics, from controlling costs effectively to maximising sales and marketing opportunities. There will also be information from a range of support organisations, including potential funding streams currently available to businesses."

Councillor Chris Over, Economic, Regeneration and Employment Portfolio Holder at Daventry District Council, said: "We believe the advice and information businesses can seek from this event will really help soften the blow of the Recession.
"It's a completely free event and I would encourage businesses, particularly SMEs, to go along and see what is on offer.
"Supporting the local economy and attracting investment into our district is a key priority for the Council and its partners and later this summer we are also planning a further event aimed at helping local residents."

Anyone who wants to register their interest in attending the Beat the Recession business event or book workshop places can email business@daventrydc.gov.uk or call Tim Cantwell on 01327 302403. For more details, go to www.daventrydc.gov.uk/beat-the-crunch

Shop Idol - Calling all creative, digital or media entrepreneurs

Chesham House Business Centre, the new innovation centre in Kettering – delivering the Business Link Start up service in the North Northants area, is providing an exciting opportunity to all budding entrepreneurs in the creative, digital or media group.

By working in partnership with Newlands Shopping Centre in Kettering, we are able to offer the chance to win 2 months rent and rate free shop unit space – the equivalent of £7000.00. This opportunity is open to start-up or established businesses.

Businesses will be able to showcase and sell their products/services from the unit with nothing to pay other than public liability insurance.

Neil Griffin, Manager of the Newlands Shopping Centre quotes 'This is a great opportunity for a business or individual to market themselves, whoever wins the prize will be able to take the opportunity to have a high street presence in Kettering, there will also be great publicity for the winner and all the runners up'.

It would also be a great opportunity for anyone studying in creative, digital or media subjects to be able to showcase their work, fashion designers, artists, photographers, website designers etc, would have to opportunity to fill the shop with their designs.

Interested in finding out more?

Call Abi Simms from the Business Link Start-up team, based at Chesham House Business Centre on 01536 527423 or e-mail abi.simms@northampton.ac.uk

Flying Start Rural Enterprise Programme at the Royal Agricultural College.

In conjunction with the Royal Agricultural College, the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship is offering a FREE national Rural Enterprise Programme for final year students, postgraduates and graduates (within five years of completing their studies) who have a rural enterprise concept or idea which they would like to develop and launch within 12 months.

The FlyingStart Programme begins with a 3-day course at the RAC, on the 29th, 30th June and 1st July 2009.

Candidates must be currently studying or graduated from a UK university and can be from any degree (full-time or part-time). The main aim is to have graduates trading or growing businesses with 12 months. The Programme ensures that all new graduate businesses:

• Understand the business model - how to make money
• Have a ready-made national and regional network;
• Have a dedicated mentor and business support;
• Understand the ‘know-hows’ and ‘know-whos’ of practical business.

The Programme will take up to 30 participants, and provide the one-to-one mentoring, support and training needed to turn every idea into a business. It is customised to suit the needs of each participant and individual one-to-one mentoring is provided free for a full 12 months following the course.

The programme is completely free to participants and includes:

• 3-day residential course where participants acquire business skills and build their contacts network;
• personalised 1-2-1 mentoring – support and guidance for 12 months;
• focused follow up meetings where participants can receive further help.

The deadline for applications is 17:00 on Monday 15th June 2009.

For more information or to chat about whether or not this FlyingStart Programme is right for you, please contact Flying Start Events Co-ordinator David Benson – david.benson@ncge.org.uk.

Please visit this page to apply.

Pathfinder Grant - Are you working on a new technology?

Did you know Pathfinder grants of up to £20,000 are available to help you understand your market!?

Pathfinder Grants range between £5,000 and £20,000 and are awarded for innovative projects up to six months in length in the following areas:

• Materials
• Design, Engineering and Manufacturing
• Energy and Waste
• Information and Communications Technologies
• Biotechnologies and Therapeutics

Which projects will be awarded funding?

Projects awarded funding will be focused on gathering evidence of market opportunities for new technologies, products or processes. Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) and sole traders are eligible to apply for Pathfinder grants.

How do I apply for Pathfinder Grants?

Applications will be accepted between 19 January and 20 March 2009, and will be assessed as soon as they are received. Applicants are advised to act early as grants are subject to limited funds.

For more information about Pathfinder grants and how to apply, visit www.eminnovation.org.uk or register your interest in innovation support by emailing your organisation's name and contact details to eminnovation@emd.org.uk

Pathfinder grants are made possible due to funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

New workshops available from ProspectIP

FREE event - Profiting from Experience

The Thistle Hotel, East Midlands Airport
Wednesday 18th June 2008, 5pm

Please click here for more information about "Profiting from Experience".

FREE event - Assessing & Commercialising Intellectual Property within Universities

The Thistle Hotel, East Midlands Airport
Wednesday 21st May 2008, 9:30am-2pm

Please click here for more information about "Assessing & Commercialising Intellectual Property within Universities".

New initiative by EMDA and FEBA

Aspiring entrepreneurs who have encountered problems raising finance for their business ventures, are set to benefit from the launch of a new initiative by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and First Enterprise Business Agency (FEBA).

EnterpriseLoans East Midlands, which will be unveiled in June, will provide funding support for both existing and budding entrepreneurs.

EnterpriseLoans East Midlands aims to help 1,000 businesses over the next ten years, by offering loans of between £3,000 and £20,000. The loan fund is specifically designed for those people who are unable to access finance from traditional sources such as banks.

Full details of EnterpriseLoans East Midlands will be unveiled at a series of launches, starting in Lincoln on 2nd June, followed by Derby (4th June), Leicester (11th June), Nottingham (12th June) and Daventry (13th June).

Speaking ahead of the launch, Jeff Moore, emda's Chief Executive, says that EnterpriseLoans East Midlands will have a significant impact in the region: "We know there are many people in the East Midlands with vision, commitment and viable business propositions who cannot, for one reason or another, access funding from traditional sources. EnterpriseLoans East Midlands will help these people to realise their dreams, by giving them the opportunity to establish their own businesses, helping to create new jobs and wealth in the region."

Enterprise Loans East Midlands will be managed for emda by First Enterprise Business Agency. "We are confident that through this new fund we will be able to create and grow many businesses," says Quamar Zaman, FEBA Chief Executive. "There are many entrepreneurial people who struggle to obtain finance, perhaps due to a poor credit history or because they do not have assets to use for security against loans. These are the people that this initiative is designed to help."

"First Enterprise has a strong track record of delivering alternative funding to businesses and we're delighted to be working with emda on this very exciting project."

Anyone wanting to attend any of the five Enterprise Loans East Midlands launch events should register on-line at www.kc-jones.co.uk/enterpriseloans.

Existing entrepreneurs or individuals who are thinking of starting up in business and who require further information about Enterprise Loans East Midlands should telephone 0115 970 4882.

Start-up Stars - Helping Britain's brightest new businesses achieve recognition

Start-Up Stars is Britain's premier awards for new businesses, with a top prize of £50,000 for the most inspirational start-up business and the entrepreneurial brains behind it.

Now in its eighth year, Start-Up Stars is supported by HSBC, Sky News and the Daily Express.

Start-Up Stars is inviting entries from fledgling businesses with exceptional drive, creativity and business acumen. The winner will be announced at a glittering ceremony at London's Dorchester Hotel on October 29.

More information about Start-Up Stars can be found at
http://www.startupstars.hsbc.co.uk/

Closing date for entries is Friday May 16.

Getting and Giving the Best to Older Workers

The UK has an aging workforce. More people over 50 years old are employed than ever before.

Employers need to know how to provide attractive and supportive jobs to retain, and attract, highly skilled and experienced staff if they are to increase productivity and profit.

Northampton Business School has teamed up with universities in Italy and Germany to carry out research to identify European Best Practice in employing the 'older worker'.

On Tuesday 22nd April 2008 a seminar will be held at which researchers from the UK and Italy will explain their findings and give recommendations.

The seminar is being held in Sunley Management Centre from 2 pm until 4 pm at the University of Northampton's Park Campus.

To book a place on this free seminar, please call Sharon Irwin on 01604 892626 or email sharon.irwin@northampton.ac.uk.

Flying Start Programme for the East Midlands

The Flying Start Programme for the East Midlands is the first programme of its kind specifically for final year students and graduates who are planning to start a business based in the East Midlands within the next 12 months.

The programme will help participants to start their business within 12 months. It is also open to those who have been trading for less than 12 months and it will aim to help participants grow your business. The programme is free for final year university students and recent graduates (of up to 5 years) from any degree at any level, and any age (full-time or part-time). All types of businesses are eligible.

The programme is completely free and includes:

• A 3 day residential course where you will acquire business skills and build your network to get started. The residential will be held on 4, 5, 6 February 2008 in Leicester.
• An experienced mentor who will support and help you for 12 months
• Focused follow up meetings where you receive further help you need to get you trading

Learn how to turn your passion into a sustainable and successful business.

The deadline for applications is the 15th of January, there are 30 places available and these will go out to the first 30 strong applications we receive. To apply complete an online form: http://www.flyingstart-ncge.com/EMDA/form.html

For more information or to chat about how Flying Start can help you please call Lorna Collins on 07850 682 833 or email lorna.collins@ncge.org.uk

Exciting, high profile design opportunity

Northampton Arts Collective (NAC) is looking for business partners from the East Midlands region to assist them in the refurbishment of their Arts Centre situated at the Fishmarket, Northampton. The refurbishment project is subject to a successful bid for funding, the outcome of which will be known by January 08.

Areas that have been designated for improvement include the gallery reception, café, kitchen/bar, outside courtyard, toilets and the building exterior.

Each business selected will be responsible for the design and project management of their allocated area and will receive support from the overall project manager. A design specification and budget has been drawn up and an extra 'design innovation budget' allocated to each area to allow imaginative concepts to be realised.

NAC is looking to pay for the services of these businesses who will ideally be within their first two years of trading or be able to prove that involvement in this project will allow them to significantly develop their business.

We are also looking for one established and internationally recognised design company to work on the project who must be able to demonstrate significant previous achievements and will be asked to provide some mentorship to the emerging businesses.

The chosen businesses will have the opportunity of achieving national media coverage, a public portfolio piece, networking within the creative industries community and the chance to attend tailored training workshops.

Businesses must be available to commence the design stage of the process immediately after selection and complete the refurbishment during January and February 2008.

NAC is currently accepting expressions of interest from interior and exterior design companies who are looking for an opportunity to showcase their most imaginative and ambitious design ideologies.

More detailed information is available on our website www.northamptonarts.org.

Connect Midlands InvoRed Programme - Amber Workshop

Available Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th December 2007 at the Sunley Management Centre.

For more information, please view the following Amber Workshops (word document) or Amber Workshops (PDF).

To apply for your free place call 01509 228702 or e-mail:
invoredeast@connectmidlands.org.

£500 worth of training for a contribution of just £50

So far over 250 women across the sector have signed up to take advantage of £500 worth of funding to complete a Level 3 Introductory Certificate in Management from the Chartered Institute of Management for a contribution of just £50. This offer is open to companies across the food and drink manufacturing sector, those who have been quick to take up the offer include Princes, Nestle and Young's seafood. But it is still not too late to take advantage of this fantastic offer.

The course consists of a mixture of home reading, formal assessment and a tutor led workshop. Today 2 further workshops have been announced:

23rd - 24th October 2007 in London
1st - 2nd November 2007 in Manchester

In addition to this, if 12 or more women at your organisation sign up, your workshop can be held in house!

All applications must be received by 20th of December 2007 and study must be complete by the 15th of March 2008. Call Sarah today on 0845 644 0448 for more information or click here to register online.

Right Funds for You - East Midlands

Date: 01-Nov-2007
Time: 4pm - 7.30pm

Description: Grant, Debt Finance, Business Angels, VC's.
Which is right for you and your business? What is the funder looking for?
Four experts discuss the range of options available to you and your business at this free and informal workshop. Register your attendance and find the Right Funds for You.

Event Type: Invored East Midlands
Location: Sunley Management Centre,
Park Campus, Boughton Green Road
Northampton, NN2 6JD
Contact: Christine Rockey
Telephone: 01509 228702
Fax: 01509 228701

Email: christine@connectmidlands.org

Website: www.connectmidlands.org

Over 100 delegates welcomed to Empowerment Through Enterprise

The University of Northampton's Business School recently welcomed over 100 delegates to its free business support conference, 'Empowerment Through Enterprise' at the Northampton Saints Rugby Club.

Guest speakers included Perry McCarthy, the original 'Stig' from Top Gear and Keith Barwell, Chairman of Northampton Saints Rugby Club, with the conference showcasing partnerships from across the UK that have managed EQUAL programmes over the last three years.

EQUAL is a European Social Fund Community Initiative which helps support projects that test and promote new means of combating discrimination and inequalities in the labour market. Successes and best practice from the programme were highlighted through a series of workshops and seminars on the day, along with an exhibition of companies run by beneficiaries.

Amongst the delegates were a group of Spanish businessmen and women who accompanied Wandsworth Council who were running a breakout session at the conference. Perry McCarthy commented:

The event closed at 6pm with 30 start-up businesses awarded Certificates of Achievement for having prepared their business and personal development plans through Northampton Business School programmes including EQUAL, Business4Women, and Enterprise & You.

Self Assessment Tool from EMIN

A new self assessment tool has been developed for small businesses by EMIN. EMIN demonstrated this diagnostic tool on Wednesday 25th April at the Portfolio Innovation Centre and all Enterprise Club members were welcome to go along and see how this free tool could help them develop their business.

For more information on the Self Assessment tool please visit the EMIN website at
www.emincubation.co.uk. The assessment is free to take on-line as long as you have registered on the EMIN site.

Unlimited free access to expertsonline.tv.

HSBC are delighted to be able to offer you unlimited FREE access to Expertsonline.tv, the online Business TV Channel. You can get an Expertsonline.tv subscription for free (normally £27) if you register online before 10 March 2007! Expertsonline.tv is the world's leading online Business TV Channel for people starting or growing a business.

For more information see - www.emincubation.co.uk/main/NEWS/994

East Midlands Early Growth Fund

Officially launched in November, the Early Growth Fund will address the 'equity gap' restricting young businesses from accessing growth funding of up to £2 million, the level above which private sector venture capital funds typically start to operate. Concentrating specifically on the lower levels of the equity gap, the Fund will assist small to medium-sized businesses in the East Midlands, helping to boost the region's economy.

Start-up companies are eligible for investment in the range of £20,000 and £200,000, whilst those in their early stages on trading may attract up to £50,000 to achieve specific goals or milestones. Applicants with strong business plans and management teams, together with a clearly identified product and route to market are being targeted. The fund will be making investments for the next five years and is expected to benefit in the region of 70 businesses. Applications may be made at any time.

For more information go to www.earlygrowthfund-em.co.uk