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Free help for North East entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs who believe they have what it takes to be the North East’s next big success story are being offered a unique chance to access free coaching and expert advice.

As part of its annual If We Can, You Can Challenge, the Entrepreneurs’ Forum is, for the first time, offering new business owners opportunities to hone their business plans and gain invaluable tips.

All the events take place before the June 7 closing date of If We Can, You Can to give entrants time to use what they learn.

On May 16, at its annual business conference at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, the Forum is hosting a fringe event around How to Pitch Your Business.

A panel of experts from the organisations who are providing the prize packages in If We Can, You Can will offer their views, experience and advice to new entrepreneurs on how they should present themselves and their businesses to get noticed and impress others, whether it is investors or customers.

On May 23, there will be more learning opportunities at Teesside University, in Middlesbrough, when vice chancellor Graham Henderson hosts the first of two Business Development Days.

These full day conferences will bring past IWCYC winners together with experienced entrepreneurs and some of the finest corporate business minds in the North East to inspire and help share valuable learning and knowledge.

As well as key note speakers, experts will host a series of presentations, workshops and interactive sessions covering law, marketing, access to finance, accountancy, creating a great business plan and how to delight customers.

The second Business Development Day is on May 28 at Gateshead College, Baltic Campus. Deputy principal Judith Doyle will host another day of inspiration and information from the professionals, hosted by Andy Hanselman.

The Development Days are open to all entrepreneurs still at the early stages of their business journey.

Nicola Short, executive director of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said: “If We Can, You Can is much more than just a competition - it’s an opportunity for entrepreneurs to meet new people, learn and grow their businesses.

“At each of these free events we are aiming to inspire and share valuable learning and knowledge from successful entrepreneurs and some of the region’s most successful corporate organisations in a host of important business areas.”

If We Can You Can is open to entrepreneurs behind any early stage enterprise.

Eight shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their businesses to an expert panel comprising five entrepreneurs and professional advisors who will choose three finalists to go head to head in a public vote.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Entrepreneurs Forum .