Welcome to the October edition of TALK

Theme: Spotting Opportunities


FIRST'S THOUGHTS...


Spotting opportunities is crucial for all of life’s twists and turns.

Whether it’s identifying a market gap or recognising the chance to turn a passion into a career, spotting opportunities is important not only for starting a business but also for navigating the broader opportunities life presents.

 

We love Lord Bilimoria’s definition of luck ‘where determination meets opportunity’,

- when we know what we want, we’re more likely to embrace the possibilities around us, both in business and in life. Whilst courage empowers us to take the FIRST step, finding opportunities will enable us to turn our passion into a thriving venture, or a personal experience into meaningful growth.

 

Scroll down for ‘lucky moments’, connecting you with that next opportunity…

SEPTEMBER'S ACHIEVEMENTS: 


Expansion:


September proved to be a successful month for onboarding, as FIRST welcomed two new Recruitment Officers, Ceira and Cheryl. Both have been getting up to speed, applying their expertise to their new roles and settling in well.

Charlotte Windebank: Women In Innovation Award


On the 24th of September, we attended an award ceremony where our founder, Charlotte Windebank, was recognised with a Purple Plaque for the Women in Innovation Award by Innovate UK. This distinguished recognition celebrates her exceptional work in empowering enterprise skills and entrepreneurship within under-resourced and underrepresented communities.


After the event, we headed to Bar Loco to celebrate, where we enjoyed cocktails aptly named 'The Purple Plaque.' In a gesture of gratitude, Charlotte has donated the plaque to Newcastle Business School, recognising their support and to encourage other young minds to explore entrepreneurship.

Feedback


The launch of our Level 1 "Understanding Enterprise" and Level 2 "Customer Ready" courses has been met with incredible enthusiasm, receiving glowing feedback from all participants. Every learner surveyed reported they were fully satisfied, resulting in an impressive 100% satisfaction rate.


When asked to describe their experience, many learners used words like "engaged" and "excited," and we are confidently anticipating a 100% achievement rate for our first course!

If you'd like to share in this excitement and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills,

sign up for our courses here.

Hybrid Learning


We launched the new 2024 hybrid model of the Level 2 course on 17th September, designed to fit around people's busy lives so they don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate. This flexible approach allows learners to balance their commitments while gaining valuable skills. Modules include:

  • Exploring personal interests, development needs, and the benefits of starting a business.

  • Learning how to access support (formal and informal) and the value of business networks, with a chance to pitch to an audience.

  • Learning how to identify and meet customer needs, market products or services, and prepare for selling.


If you'd like to explore this flexible hybrid style of learning, click here.

OCTOBER'S PLANS


October will host a wide variety of courses, offering numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. You can explore all the available dates and opportunities here


Level 1 "Understanding Enterprise"


From the 19th November, this course is tailored to help you if you are:

  • Looking to secure the job you’ve been striving for.

  • Ready to explore a new and exciting career path.

  • Eager to become your own boss and embrace self-employment.

  • Keen to turn your passion and creativity into a successful startup.


Units covered include:

  • Identify and develop essential enterprise skills you need to change your career, start a business or become self-employed.

  • Analyse and understand the risks associated with changing career or starting up including financial implications and market awareness/analysis.

  • Get connected in your local business community with confidence, the value of networking and growing your professional contacts both on and offline.


This course is delivered online and face-to-face during daytimes or evenings to suit you


If you haven’t signed up yet, enrol in the Level 1 Course here.



Level 2 "Customer Ready"


For aspiring entrepreneurs like yourself, this course, starting on the 26th November, offers an in-depth exploration of launching a business, understanding startup models, and discovering finance options.


The course is designed to help you if you are:

  • Ready to take the leap and start your own business.

  • Keen to understand your customers and develop products and services that truly meet their needs.

  • Looking to explore and select the best finance options to fuel your venture.


Units you will cover include:

  • Turning your business plans into action.

  • Developing strategic marketing plans with targeted customer profiles.

  • Managing business finance and funding.

  • Negotiating deals with potential customers and suppliers to maximise income.

  • Accessing a wealth of information, advice, and support to give your business the confidence it needs to thrive.


This course is available both online and face-to-face, with flexible daytime or evening options to suit your schedule.


To enrol or find out more, click here.

NEW Impact Creators Course


Attention Parents, Guardians, and Carers!


Exciting news for your 15-17-year-olds! 🌟 Our new NCS online experience offers an incredible opportunity. Over 7 sessions, they’ll collaborate with peers to ignite change in their community while having fun and making new friends. 🌍 Don’t let them miss out on this chance to make a difference.


Click here to sign your teens up now!

Continuous Professional Development Course


A new CPD course titled "Embedding Enterprise Skills" is set to enhance education by equipping college and school staff with the introductory knowledge and skills to embed enterprise into the curriculum. The course will cover the definition of enterprise education, the development of enterprising behaviours and competencies, and strategies for developing an entrepreneurial mindset within the curriculum.


Consisting of four consecutive online sessions, the course will run from Monday 27th January to Monday 17th February, each from 4pm to 5:30pm.


If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, click here

Escape the Rat Race


At FIRST, we're thrilled to announce the launch of our new campaign, "Escape the Rat Race," starting on 7th October. Keep an eye out for our posters and carriage cards displayed in metro stations and on the metros, promoting the exciting opportunity to ditch the 9-to-5 and become your own boss. Our entrepreneurial and courage-building courses are designed to help you take control of your future and unlock your potential.


Head over to FIRST’s “Escape the Rat Race” landing page to find out more

Escape The Rat Race

Refer A Friend


If you know someone ready to embark on their self-employment journey, our Level 1 and 2 courses are the perfect starting point. Refer them today, and if they enrol and complete the course, you'll receive a £20 voucher as a thank you. Remember, the voucher is yours once your friend successfully completes the course. Let's support each other on the path to success! 💪🎉

Sign up here

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