Aspiring business owners in Kenilworth are being offered the opportunity to benefit from a free, online course targeted at those who have always wanted to start their own business, but don't quite know how.

Run by Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT), the 'JumpStart' project is aimed to support new businesses in Kenilworth and the rest of Warwickshire. This can range from drafting businesses plans, discussing financial aspects of your business, or just simple advice about making your business idea a reality. The JumpStart project was launched by CWRT four years ago, with funding from Warwickshire County Council, and has thus far worked with 300 people across the county to help them start their own business. With the success of the work so far, a new free virtual workshop is being opened to local entrepreneurs from Wednesday 11 November. It is aimed at people who may have never even thought of opening up a business, to those who have a concept but don't know how to get it in motion. One Atherstone resident has already taken advantage of the offer. Erik Prins took part in the September workshops, and is now launching a dog walking and behaviourist business called Talk of the Dog. Speaking to to Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership Erik said "I was an internal auditor in the automotive sector and had been planning to start a dog behavioural business next year. "When I was made redundant during the pandemic, I brought my plans forward and signed up to the JumpStart project because my job didn't prepare me for running my own business. "The support has been really helpful in setting-up my website as well as the importance of marketing and I'm a digital novice so the session on social media was really helpful. "JumpStart helps you to think about actions to take and especially those elements you had not thought of or only half-way through." Ahead of next month's event Sheridan Sulskis, Executive Director of CWRT said to Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership "With the Coronavirus pandemic and the ever-increasing unemployment rates, we are finding lockdown has given people time to think about what they enjoy and what they are good at in their career," she said. "JumpStart is a business programme that provides free support to Warwickshire residents to help give an insight into self-employment and whether starting up a business is for them. "The scheme covers Action Planning for Success, Exploring Being Your Own Boss, Business Planning, Cash Flow Forecasting and a Social Media Masterclass focusing on how to build a brand online and create engaging content. "Previously, our trainers held face-to-face business workshops but from next month, all five sessions will take place virtually and we are holding each section of the workshops during the morning or afternoon to help with childcare or other responsibilities. "For many, Covid-19 has given them the impetus or financial necessity to become their own boss and we are here to help make it become a reality." Kenilworth residents interested in signing-up to JumpStart should call CWRT on 02476 551777 or message CWRT by searching JumpStart Project on Facebook.