The Covid-19 pandemic and rise in living costs has pushed many households who were just making ends meet to the very edge. Access to good jobs, training and employment opportunities are key to the recovery period, but for some individuals, who are carers, parents or have disabilities themselves this is not always possible.

We have been working at grass roots level with our business start-up programmes in Newcastle since September 2021. Our social mission is to increase the number of successful adult business start-ups from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Since September 2021, we have supported 64 individuals through Start-up & Jump Start Programmes (funded by Unltd Big Lottery and CLLD).

Director at Upstart Enterprise Vicki Stone says – “We believe everyone should have a chance at setting up their own business, regardless of employment background or educational attainment. The majority of our first and second cohorts of potential start-ups are on benefits, and some have caring responsibilities. We have some social entrepreneurs who have lived experience themselves, who really want to make a difference, which is great news for supporting local people in the communities they live in.”

We run 7-week Start-up and Jump-Start courses in Kenton in Newcastle.

Please get in touch if you have an idea for a business or if you have a small business and need help with sales and marketing.