FIRST Thoughts…

January marks a season of fresh beginnings and renewed focus, at FIRST, we believe there’s no better time to reflect on the power of motivation and perseverance.

For us, perseverance means staying committed to our goals even when faced with challenges, while motivation is the driving force that keeps us moving forward. These qualities are essential in enterprise skills and entrepreneurship, where resilience and determination often pave the way to success.

We’ve chosen this theme ‘Motivation and Perseverance’ for January because it embodies the spirit of starting strong and maintaining momentum. It’s a chance to remind ourselves that setbacks are stepping stones, and with the right mindset, ambitions can become reality.

Let’s step into 2025 together, embracing opportunities and achieve meaningful progress.

New Year, New You 

Fully Funded, Accredited Enterprise Courses 

This January, we’ve kickstarted the year with inspiring sessions of our Level 1 "Understanding Enterprise" and Level 2 "Customer Ready" courses. These fully-funded programmes are tailored to help you unlock your entrepreneurial potential.

From mastering the fundamentals of business to refining customer interaction skills, our hands-on, practical approach equips you with the tools to build a resilient and rewarding future in enterprise.

💬 What our learners are saying:

• “Before the course, I didn’t think I was a businesswoman, now I feel that I am more than a businesswoman.”

• “I feel it has helped prepared me to be be ale to work on my own.”

• “You people at FIRST really care.”

🌟 Ready to join them and take charge of your future?

👉 Click below to view upcoming course dates and secure your place today!

LEVEL 1 COURSE DATES 

LEVEL 2 COURSE DATES 

Celebrating Milestones

Celebrating Two Years of Jack's Impact at FIRST!

January marks two years since Jack, our dedicated Learning and Skills Coordinator, joined FIRST in 2023. During this time, Jack has achieved incredible milestones, including successfully completing his apprenticeship and earning a promotion from Apprentice to Coordinator.

Jack's contributions have had a lasting impact on both the team and our learners. His hard work and positive attitude are evident every day, Jack's contributions have been invaluable to both the team and our learners. His dedication and positive approach are evident in his daily work, and he plays an integral role in making FIRST what it is today.

Pictured above is Jack hosting our 2024 Christmas staff quiz, a highlight of our festive celebrations. In addition to bringing teams together with his creative quizzes, Jack also hosts engaging end-of-course quizzes for learners…

If you would like to take part in one of Jack’s Quizzes (and the level 1 Understanding Enterprise course) click the link here

Welcoming New Faces

This month, we’re thrilled to welcome David and Joanna, our amazing new Senior Recruitment Officers, to the FIRST team! They both joined us just over a month ago, and in such a short time, they’ve already become an essential part of our team.

We’re so excited to see all the great things they’ll accomplish as they settle into their roles here at FIRST. Welcome aboard, David and Joanna!

A Story Of Success

Local Women Develop Social Enterprise Through FIRST's Enterprise Courses in Collaboration with the Angelou Centre

Empowering Women Through Resilience and Community

A group of inspiring women at the Angelou Centre have taken a significant step towards transforming their lives by developing plans for a social enterprise, thanks to enterprise skills courses provided by FIRST and funded through North East Combined Authority’s Adult Skills Fund. The learners, many of whom have overcome significant challenges, are planning to launch a business that focuses as much on inner empowerment as it does on outer beauty.

A Business Born from Courage and Connection

Learners began their journey by completing a Level 1 Understanding Enterprise course with FIRST and continued their progress as a close-knit group into the Level 2 Customer Ready programme. Gaining essential enterprise skills, the course formed lasting friendships and empowered them to create their business ‘Inner Beauty Queens’.

Offering services such as hair braiding and beauty products, Inner Beauty Queens is designed to serve the Angelou Centre’s community. The ethos of the business is clear: beauty isn’t just about how you look, but how you feel.

One participant shared, “Here, you can find what you’re good at, discover what you like to do, and you can make a business out of it.” Another added, “If it could make a change in even one woman’s life, it’s worth it.”

Read more here…

If you're part of a community group or charity and are inspired by the partnership between FIRST and The Angelou Centre, we'd love to hear from you! Together, we can empower more individuals with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to succeed.

Register your interest with us today and explore how we can collaborate to make a meaningful difference in your community.

February's Sneak Peeks

Startup Awards North East Launch Party X Biz ‘N’ Bait Networking Event 

With February just around the corner, we’re thrilled to announce the 2025 Start-Up Awards Launch Party hosted by the Biz ‘N’ Bait team! 🎉

This free event is your chance to connect with last year’s winners, meet our incredible sponsors, and enjoy complimentary food and drinks in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate entrepreneurship and mark the beginning of the awards season in style!

Grab your ticket now 

February’s Free, Accredited, Entrepreneurship Courses 

Get ready for an exciting February at FIRST! We’re thrilled to announce the start of our upcoming courses, designed to help you unlock your potential and take the next step in your journey.

The Level 1 Understanding Enterprise course begins with two cohorts on 4th February and 5th February. Perfect for anyone curious about starting a business or gaining enterprise skills, this course offers a supportive space to build courage and explore your passions.

On 18th February, our Level 2 Customer Ready course kicks off, focusing on advanced business skills like understanding your audience and building a standout brand, while boosting your personal development.

Sounds like something you’d like to explore? Head to our website or fill in the contact form below…

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