‘Want to Work Entrepreneur’ supports local job seekers on path to employment
Last week, between 19-21 November 2013, fifteen local job seekers attended a new three day Entrepreneur programme at the American Express Community Stadium and Amex House, run by Albion in the Community (AITC) the charitable arm of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club and American Express®.
‘Want to Work Entrepreneur’ has been developed to support the local economy, by encouraging people of all ages to consider setting themselves up in business and giving them the confidence and guidance to turn a business idea into a workable plan.
‘Want to Work Entrepreneur’ forms part of the wider Want to Work initiative, launched by AITC in October 2011 with support from main partner American Express.
Participants were signposted to the programme via their local Job Centre, working closely with AITC.
Mainly job seekers, in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) and PRE New Enterprise Allowance (NEA), attendees were given an insight into entrepreneurial spirit and business basics from senior leaders and employee volunteers from American Express and AITC staff.
Core business areas covered included building a brand, marketing and the competition, profit & loss and pricing & sales forecasts.
Guest speaker, Want to Work partner, Gary Peters, from BrightonandHoveJobs.com told participants: “If your idea really is that good and you have genuine passion to make it work, get out there and make it happen.
Too many people talk about good ideas but don’t do anything with them. Passion for your idea is key — if you have this you’re more than halfway there already!”
Representatives from ‘Let’s Do Business’ were on hand to discuss NEA benefits and other routes to funding.
American Express is also providing a post-event mentoring drop-in to help participants build on business plans developed during the programme.
The Want to Work initiative helps provide local unemployed people with skills training and work experience placements that can facilitate their entry into or back into the workplace.
With involvement from 64 business partners in the private, public and voluntary sectors from across Sussex, the overall Want to Work programme has seen 85 local job seekers secure employment, within 12 weeks of Want to Work completion.
Karen Tiltman, Vice President of American Express and one of the programme mentors said: “We’re hoping that Want to Work Entrepreneur will provide local job seekers with the skills and confidence to take that brave move and turn their business idea into a profitable reality.
“This is one of several ‘Realise the Potential of the Community’ initiatives where American Express partners with AITC to provide young people and adults the opportunity to learn new skills and improve employability prospects that will be of long-term benefit to themselves, the wider community and the local economy.”
AITC’s Want to Work Manager, Carl Southwell, said: “Initiatives like Want to Work are creating pathways that can lead to employment. By partnering with local businesses we can provide local job seekers with relevant industry skills training, work experience placements, networking and ultimately jobs.”
Local businesses wanting to learn more or interested in getting involved in Want to Work should contact: carl.southwell@albioninthecommunity.org.uk. Job seekers can find more information on the AITC website or through their local Job Centre Advisor.
