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Case Study: Training and Development - Newham College of Further Education
The 'Her Business' ERDF project was launched in February 2004. The project’s aim was to develop innovative ways to support new and potential women entrepreneurs. The methods used to meet these aims included specialist business advice, one to one coaching and support, regular networking events, training programmes and free online advertising. It has resulted in the creation of an innovative transformational, non-traditional approach to business support for women entrepreneurs and offers business advice contact with 1200 women.
Building on this success, the college has been successful in securing an ERDF grant, which will enable the first purpose built Women's Business Centre in the UK to be established in the East End of London. This will provide a shop front centre and provide an open door to women's enterprise support services. The centre will offer women a safe and friendly environment.
- Since 2004 over 1,200 women have received business advice and 175 have started their own business.
- Events and training programmes developed to meet women’s needs and remove obstacles including child-care, time restraints, language, ethnic and other gender related barriers.
- The 'Her Business' programme was awarded Prowess Flagship status for its innovative mentoring and coaching services and commended by the national Beacon Awards 2005.
- Significant funding has been won to build the UK’s first women’s business centre and incubator community, to be based in Newham College’s East Ham Campus. In total 250 square metres on the ground will be converted to create ‘enterprise pods’ for concurrent use by 12 start ups, plus common service areas including ICT services and a training/seminar area and a networking area plus 1 to 1 counselling areas. Access will be provided to leading edge technologies, supporting its use in business. The centre will also provide a base for innovatory business networking and we will promote use of common services by social enterprises.
