FIRST Thoughts…

Learning Through Experience 

March has been all about embracing new challenges and growing through hands on experience. At FIRST, we know that real progress often comes from trying, adapting, and learning along the way.

As we move towards the start of a new financial year, this edition highlights the value of learning by doing – whether it’s choosing your next project partner, making courageous decisions, or gaining insight into today’s evolving economy.

From our latest Level 1 and 2 offers to the Investor Ready Accelerator, and our presence at key events like National Careers Week and Enterprise Weekends with Northumbria University students, it’s been a month filled with learning, doing and meaningful impact.

What we got up to in March:

Free, Level 1 Business Course

Spring into Success with FIRST! 🌱☀️

March was a real highlight, with 100% of learners telling us they were satisfied with their experience. Here’s what they had to say:
✨ “Excellent! Really comfortable in this learning environment”
✨ “Practically perfect in every way”
✨ “A great space with supportive people and useful tools to get started”

If you’ve ever thought about working for yourself, this is your sign to take that first step.

Sign up today and start shaping your future!

LEVEL 1 COURSE DETAILS 

LEVEL 2 COURSE DETAILS

Investor Ready Accelerator

Investor Ready Accelerator – Preparing for Startup Success

As a pre-event to Startup Awards North East, the Investor Ready Accelerator brought together aspiring entrepreneurs for a focused day of learning and preparation.

Held at The Fed in Gateshead, the event featured five workshops covering essential topics including investment readiness, business funding, and marketing strategy. Each session was designed to equip new entrepreneurs with the insights needed to confidently present their business ideas and understand funding options.

The Accelerator also sparked peer discussions, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and strengthen their networks – all ahead of pitching or attending Startup Awards later this year.

This event was a powerful reminder that behind every successful pitch is a well prepared founder – and we’re proud to support that journey.

Haven’t signed up for Startup Awards yet? You can still apply here. 

Making Connections, Creating Impact

Celebrating National Careers Week! 🌟

We had a fantastic time taking part in National Careers Week, attending events hosted by Education Partnership North East (EPNE) across Sunderland College and Northumberland College campuses.

A huge thank you to EPNE and the colleges for organising such engaging and insightful events. National Careers Week is a brilliant reminder of the incredible potential and ambition among young people today!

It was truly inspiring to meet so many students eager to explore entrepreneurship, share innovative business ideas, and learn more about developing their enterprise skills. The enthusiasm and creativity we witnessed was outstanding!

Missed us? We’d still love to hear from you! Get in touch to find out how we can support your journey into entrepreneurship: Contact us here.

Celebrating Enterprise Skills and Entrepreneurship in the North East! 

It’s been an inspiring month for enterprise skills and entrepreneurship, and we’re thrilled to have been part of two fantastic events that highlight the incredible opportunities available for aspiring business owners.

First, we joined an Enterprise Weekend at Northumbria University, where future entrepreneurs explored business ideas and developed their skills.

We then celebrated the completion of the Enterprising North project: a 16-month programme dedicated to supporting new and growing businesses across the region. The event was a brilliant showcase of the impact this initiative has had, featuring insightful discussions  and inspiring success stories from those who have benefited from the programme.

We’re proud to be part of such a thriving business community and can’t wait to see these entrepreneurs take their next steps in building successful businesses here in the North East! 💪

April’s Plans:

April’s Free, Accredited, Entrepreneurship Courses 

April is bringing fresh opportunities at FIRST, with a focus on building courage, refining your enterprise skills, and preparing for what’s next.

Starting tomorrow, our Level 2 Business Course course is delivered entirely online between 6 - 8pm (2 sessions per week) to fit around your lifestyle. 

This programme is designed to help you strengthen your business know how - from identifying your audience to developing a strong brand while also building personal courage and clarity.

Sound like something you’d be interested in? Click here 

Measuring the Impact of Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Skills Education – Why Bother?

📅 Date: 15th May 2025
📍 Location: Online (Zoom)
⏰ Time: 10:00am – 11:30am

In a constantly changing economic landscape, enterprise skills and entrepreneurship are getting a lot of attention. But how do we measure their true impact on individuals and the wider economy? And is it worth it?

Join us for an interactive online event that brings together expert voices from across the enterprise education sector. We’ll explore the challenges and future of measuring impact in enterprise skills and entrepreneurship education.

You’ll hear from:

• Sanjee Ratnatunga – CEO of Ideas for Change Consulting

• Charlotte Windebank – MD of FIRST

• Leigh Sear – CEO of SFEDI

Expect case studies, live discussions, and actionable insights as we unpack:

✅ Why measuring impact matters
✅ What challenges we face
✅ What needs to change going forward

Grab your tickets here

✨New✨ Business TASTER course

We’re excited to introduce our brand new Business TASTER course – a pre-Level 1 course designed to explore the fundamentals of business in a simple, welcoming way.

Whether you're curious about starting something of your own or just want to see what enterprise skills are all about, this short taster helps you build courage and take that FIRST step.

It’s practical, local, and all about helping you explore what’s possible.

Benefits:

⏰ Learn in your own time

⭐ Explore if self-employment could be right for you

🤝 1:1 support from the team to follow up your action plan

📜 Certification from FIRST

🧭 Guidance with your next steps

📍 Only available through FIRST – and you’re the first to hear about it!

👀 Keep an eye out – places are becoming available soon!

⭐ Register your interest here