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.

Upstart Enterprise CIC is a social enterprise which has been working at grass roots level in Newcastle since 2019. Their social mission is to increase the number of successful adult business start-ups from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Potential start-ups are being funded by North of Tyne Community Led Local Development. North of Tyne Community Led Local Development Funding North (NT CLLD) is a locally managed funding programme, led by a partnership of representatives from the VCS, local business, the public sector and local residents.

The Upstart facilitators have been providing group and 1-1 support for individuals with a business idea, but not sure where to start.

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 really want to make a difference, which is great news for supporting local people in the communities they live in.”

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