business
Leap into
programme… I would highly recommend
LEAP for anyone in Lewes District that is
looking to develop their business idea.”
The second programme has recently
launched, with five training workshops
being delivered by Lets Do Business
Group – one of LEAP’s partners – at the
offices of Mayo Wynne Baxter in Lewes.
The first of these workshops was held on
14th January.
Councillor Rob Blackman, Lead Member
for Business, Economic Development
and Tourism at Lewes District Council
provided a welcome to the new
candidates and gave a galvanising talk
to the 15 aspiring entrepreneurs ahead
of the training commencing. The second
programme will conclude with the LEAP
Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 event,
which is being held in April in tandem
with the new Lewes District Business
Awards.
The LEAP initiative set
up by Lewes District
Council is supporting local
entrepreneurs seeking to
start their own businesses
in difficult economic
conditions.
The Local Enterprise and Apprenticeship
Platform (LEAP) was launched by
the District Council in February
2013. The purpose of the initiative
is to promote employment and skills
development opportunities and foster the
entrepreneurial spirit of local residents.
The LEAP Entrepreneur programme
offers you the chance to win £3,000 to
help get your business off the ground.
The scheme offers a programme of free
training workshops, professional 1:1
mentoring and support, culminating in a
judging panel of local business leaders
to identify the LEAP Entrepreneur of the
Year. The programme seeks to help local
people with a business idea or fledgling
start-up business to develop their
concept into a viable and sustainable
business.
The first LEAP awards was held in
October 2013, and resulted in Equine
Elite being crowned as the first ever
LEAP Entrepreneur of the Year. The
brains behind the business, Sarah
Huntley, said “LEAP has been a superb
scheme for me, and the coaching I have
received has been invaluable. I have
learnt how to write a business plan,
complete financial forecasts, and many
other vital business skills. I have gained
an incredible amount from experts
across a range of fields who generously
gave up their time to present to the
Wes Game, Business Manager at
Lets Do Business Group said “LEAP
is a fantastic opportunity for local
entrepreneurs to benefit from a tailored
training programme to ensure you are
ready to start a business in a difficult
economic climate. I would urge local
people to get in touch and see how
LEAP could help you make your dream
a reality”.
If you have an idea that you are keen
to develop into a viable business, then
please do get in touch with the LEAP
team as there will be more opportunities
emerging later in the year. More
information is available from the LEAP
team through their website at
yourleap.co.uk or by phone on 0300 330
1450.
By Jason Edge
107