FREE business start-up workshops for military leavers, spouses and partners in Wiltshire have been warmly welcomed by those attending the first sessions – with more events still to come.
The Be Your Own Boss mornings are being held in military communities, offering help, advice and inspiration to turn your idea into a viable business.
The events are happening at:
Tidworth Leisure Centre: 17 June, 9.30-12.30
Bulford Beeches Community Centre: 24 June, 9.30-12.30
Tidworth Garrison Theatre: 8 July, 9.30-12.30
Warminster Community Centre: 15 July, 9.30-12.30
Royal Wootton Bassett Manor House Enterprise Centre: 17 July, 9.30-12.30
Tidworth Leisure Centre: 23 Sept, 9.30-12.30
The informal, coffee morning-style events – funded by Wiltshire Council and led by Wiltshire Business Support Service – are designed for military spouses and partners who may have spotted a business opportunity, are looking to turn a hobby or creative talent into an income or are thinking of resurrecting a former career by going self-employed.
Melanie Jones (pictured above, aged 46), from Horningsham in Wiltshire has started her own photography and video business and attended one of the first events.
She said: “I thought the event was amazing. I took lots of notes and came away from it really inspired to develop my business.”
The mornings cover everything from planning and research, funding and business support, marketing via websites and social media. They also include inspirational talks from military spouses and leavers who are already running successful businesses.
Former RAF Wing Commander Louise Carver from Chippenham, who now runs her own learning and development consultancy, was a speaker at the first events at Ludgershall and Tidworth.
She said: “The delegates had business ideas ranging from holiday cabins in Canada and tourist boat trips in the Caribbean, to lampshades and beauty therapy. It was a lively session with lots of questions and discussion.”
Book your place
The Be Your Own Boss events are open to military spouses or partners and include free childcare, coffee and cake.
To book a free place, visit www.theenterprisenetwork.co.uk/civvystreet or call 01225 402096 or email events@inspirebiz.co.uk