East Staffordshire Borough Council's business bootcamps for budding entrepreneurs

Enterprise Nation and East Staffordshire Borough Council have joined forces to deliver a five-week bootcamp series designed to inspire the next generation of talented self-starters.

The Retail Ready Bootcamps are open to anyone who wants to launch a business, as well as start-ups, early-stage businesses and small, already established ventures operating as sole traders.

As well as teaching basic business skills, the bootcamps will cover techniques that help owners manage their finances, market themselves effectively and adopt technology to become more resilient against future economic shocks.

According to Enterprise Nation's 2024 Start-Up Ambition Report, around 35% of adults in the UK are thinking about starting a business at some point in their career. That figure rises to 54% among young people aged 18 to 24.

The five-week bootcamp series – which begins in August and runs throughout September and October – will take place online, with monthly in-person meet-ups at different locations in the borough.

Emma Jones, CBE, founder and CEO of Enterprise Nation, says:

"We know a thriving small business community creates better jobs, more innovation and contributes more to the local community.

"Enterprise Nation lives and breathes start-up and small business support every day and we really admire the ambition of East Staffordshire Borough Council's forward-thinking plans to boost the borough's economy by supporting budding entrepreneurs.

"We look forward to working with all those starting a business or in the early stages in this brilliant entrepreneurial borough."

Cllr Rob Hawkins, cabinet member for regeneration and development, says:

"The council continues to develop the borough's well-established culture of innovation and enterprise by providing a wide range of support to local businesses.

"Whether you're a sole trader, a start-up or even an entrepreneur considering starting your own business, I encourage you to register your interest today."

Grow your retail business alongside other East Staffs entrepreneurs

Run a retail business in East Staffordshire? Want to improve your business skills and increase sales? Join this series of free bootcamps for training and advice. Sign up now