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The Business Resource Centre (BRC) was the follow on support for IdeaSparkers once they had started their business start-up training. It provided a range of free services for IdeaSparkers, including access to office and computer facilities (with fast Broadband access). Most importantly, a Business Support Worker was always on hand to help with everything from how to turn on a computer to writing your business plan to helping with those first few months of trading. We also ran workshops for groups ranging from 3 to 20 people, covering topics like How to Get Funding for Your Business, Employing Staff, Keeping Financial Records, How to Promote Your Business in the Media and How to Write a Press Release.
The Business Resource Centre was set up and run by Shani and Robert from Frontline Training. A unique idea behind the Business Resource Centre was to set it in an independent trading company - a live small business where IdeaSparkers could experience first hand what was involved in running your own business. This was a very different approach to the conventional Business Centre or incubation space, and grew out of the social learning approach that distinguishes IdeaSpark.
The IdeaSpark Business Network was also run from the BRC. We asked IdeaSparkers what they would sort of events they would like to have, and came up with a whole range of interesting activities. These included a Trade Fair, where IdeaSparkers could present their goods and services and get feedback from potential customers, and a Business Development Dinner where IdeaSparkers were able to spend time talking about their business idea over a relaxed meal with experienced business people.
One of the most successful events was the Summer Sizzler - a barbecue on one of the hottest days of 2005. Simply getting people together in an informal space, with lots of experienced business people and advisers around, providing some nice food and a chilled glass of wine led to a really enjoyable and productive evening for everyone who came. A really good development for the BRC and the Business Network over the past year has been building links with the local Business MentorBank scheme. We've had great support from many different mentors who've come along to events and to surgeries for one to one sessions with IdeaSparkers. Some have even become great friends! Funding for these activities has come to an end just now, but you can always pop into Frontline Books to say hello - we love to hear how people are getting on, and to see old friends. Although we're not able to offer many services at the moment, we often know of other people and places you can try - just ask us.
You can also contact the IdeaSpark Team on 0116 229 3301
We will continue to arrange IdeaSpark events from time to time, and hope to be running more workshops and other support services shortly. If you have participated in IdeaSpark before you will have a login password and username to use the full functions of this website. If you've forgotten your details just call us for a reminder.
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