Free business advice and support helps Islington entrepreneurs

Would-be entrepreneurs in Islington can access free support and advice on how to start up a business, thanks to a new Business Enterprise Club.

The club, funded by Islington Council, Jobcentre Plus and St Luke's Trust, is based in the third floor tower of St Luke's Community Centre in EC1.

The space has been renovated with modern office facilities and offers a range of practical help and support for those living, working or learning in Islington interested in running their own business.  Advice available includes:

• Free temporary desk space for up to 15 new start-up businesses per term
• An accredited business start-up training programme from the Association of Community Based Business Advice, including workshops on how to create a business plan, forecasting profit and loss, and how to market and promote a business
• One-to-one business advice and support from professionals at business advice agency Centa
• Training on presentation and interview techniques
• One-to-one mentoring provided by volunteers from local businesses to provide ongoing motivation 

The Business Enterprise Club was officially opened by Leader of Islington Council, Cllr Catherine West, on Wednesday.

She said: "The Business Enterprise Club is a fantastic example of how local businesses and organisations can play their part in helping us to get Islington residents into employment and boost the local economy.

"There are lots of people out there with fantastic business ideas who are really keen to set up on their own, but it can be an incredibly daunting prospect. The club offers really practical support and advice that will help turn those business ideas into reality."

The Business Enterprise Club is open weekdays 9-5pm.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the club can contact Shanice Lindsay at St Luke's Centre on 0207 549 8181.