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"I’d like to turn my hobby into a business. I think my idea is strong but I don’t have a clue how to take the next step…"
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The first two years of starting a business are the most critical. This is when most business failures occur. We aim to prevent this happening by offering you a full package of advice, guidance, training and support. This will give you the foundations you need to establish, build and develop your business successfully. |
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You need more than just a great idea and determination to get started in business. You need to know about tax, advertising, finance and more. It’s this gap Croydon Enterprise is filling, with a project delivered by Croydon Adult Learning and Training (CALAT).
Courses are free and will be held wherever there is enough demand. You can choose from a range of courses from how to prepare a business plan and carry out market research, to book-keeping, advertising and funding.
Call CALAT on 3020 8684 4592 to find out more or visit: www.calat.ac.uk
Our partner Croydon Business Ltd provides free start-up workshops offering hands-on support in various areas of business such as pricing, the legalities of setting up a business and business planning.
For details call the Croydon Enterprise business hotline during office hours on 020 8680 6161
Just call the Croydon Enterprise business hotline on 020 8680 6161 and ask to speak to a business advisor to find out what help is available and how you can access it.
This service provided by the London Innovation Centre (LINNOC) offers support through mentoring and a programme of events and interactive workshops to encourage you to keep your eyes and ears open to new ideas and new approaches.
Sign up for a session with one of our trained Innovation Coaches who will suggest the right next step for you. Alternatively, you could take part in one of our workshops – whether you’ve never thought about running a business before, or you’re just starting up.
For details of ‘Ideas into Business’ workshops, call LINNOC on 0845 262 8545
Nearly all new businesses need finance to get them started. Whether it’s a poor credit rating or not having a watertight business plan, there are lots of reasons why a traditional bank loan is not always an option.
To help local entrepreneurs access the funding they need, Croydon Enterprise, in partnership with GLE One London has developed a package of financial options designed for people at different stages in their enterprise. Whether you need funds to simply test the market with a new product or service or to start your business, you may be eligible for a loan and support.
Beauty is a booming industry and we have joined forces with Croydon Adult Learning and Training (CALAT) to help find the borough’s budding beauty entrepreneurs; people who have just started their own business or individuals who would like to set up their own business but need help.
CALAT Beauty and Complementary Therapy training is open to Croydon residents, male or female, with an interest in developing an existing hobby, service or business providing beauty, health or personal grooming services.
Training will provide the necessary skills to enhance people’s professional skills and future business success. These courses must be paid for and include nail art, nail technology, massage, facial electricals and a beauty specialist diploma.
For details of when and where contact Beauty Business at CALAT on 020 8683 6875 or email: calatbeauty@croydon.gov.uk
This purpose-built centre in New Addington aims to help local builders get the skills and training they need to carve out a career in the trade and also gain employment on the many construction projects taking place in Croydon over the next few years.
The centre provided by Croydon College offers a wide range of ‘hands on’ activities helping people to develop new building skills and broaden existing skills at the same time as helping to develop their enterprise flair. Support will be given at every step to make sure individuals have the confidence and skills necessary for success.
The 12-week programme focuses on the primary skills of bricklaying, carpentry and plumbing, and is taught by staff with industry expertise. Participants will also receive an industry-recognised award (CSCS card) enabling authorisation to work on construction sites. Short courses are also available.
For further details call the BE Centre on 0800 023 2354.
Croydon’s entrepreneurs now have free, instant, online access to the enterprise information they need to start or expand a business.
ORB, our information portal acts as a gateway to a range of useful information for business, including access to COBRA - one of the most important sources of up-to-date business information available. This includes events, business opportunities, market research and much more. The online facility is free for local residents and businesses.
It is hosted by the Croydon Library. If you do not have a Croydon Library Card, you will have to join - an easy process at any library.
For further information call the Croydon Enterprise business hotline on 020 8680 6161
Buying into a franchise, like Toni and Guy hairdressing, for example, can be a good way of starting a business.
For further details call the Croydon Enterprise business hotline during office hours on 020 8680 6161, or the YES! Croydon Project on 020 7326 1919. |
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