Enterprise and Innovation

Stimulating Enterprise

"Boosting enterprises from socially-deprived areas"

Stimulating Enterprise is a project that enhances local delivery structures and provides advice, support and mentoring which is critical to ensure the survival and growth of enterprises from socially-deprived areas in Leicester and Leicestershire.

Organisation: Centre for Enterprise

Completion Date: 31/12/2004

Location

Leicester and Leicestershire

Project Description

Really I am so grateful and thankful to IdeaSpark. The trainer and his staff were always helpful to all of us. We are thankful to them - P from Belgrave, Course Attendee
There's good information for your business and you get confidence - S from Leicester, Course Attendee

The IdeaSparkproject built on the work done through a Phoenix Fund project and has been supported by the LSEP and the European Social Fund.

Individual assessment
In partnership with Business Link the project developed a diagnostic tool, enabling individual needs to be assessed at the point of entry. This will ensure that each client is provided with the most appropriate assistance, based upon their current skills, knowledge and stage of idea development and will enable disadvantaged clients to be identified and given enhanced assistance.

Outcomes

Enterprise

• To create enterprise opportunities for 220 people from socially excluded communities.
• To help 18 new profit/social enterprises start up and thrive. Train community-based trainers to deliver IdeaSpark across Leicester.

Training

• Training is provided on social enterprise for business advisors across the range of providers within the community and mainstream. This will enhance the level and quality of support provided across the network.

Project Contacts

Project manager:
Kate Cowan
Tel: 0116 229 3300
E-mail: kate.cowan@centreforenterprise.co.uk
Website: www.centreforenterprise.co.uk

LSEP contact:
Niloofar Sarkari
Tel: 0116 257 5678
E-mail: niloofars@lsep.co.uk
Website: www.lsep.co.uk