NEST for fledgling entrepreneurs
Would-be bosses hoping to turn their business dreams into reality are being invited to apply for a place on the New Entrepreneur Scholarship Torbay (NEST) scheme.

NEST scholars can:

• take part in a free, part-time 5 month business training programme to help get them up and trading.
• gain a business start-up NVQ Level 2 qualification, if appropriate
• receive a grant of £500 to cover start-up costs.

Although it is part of a national programme, NEST is the first NES programme to be locally funded by the LSC. Initiated by the TDA, the scheme will be delivered by Adrian Sheen and his team in conjunction with Denise Kellham from Business Support (SW) Ltd. Adrian explained: “Budding entrepreneurs in Torbay can enjoy a great learning experience, networking opportunities and individual mentoring."

NEST is open to people who have traditionally found it difficult to access business support, including women, ethnic minorities, lone parents, people with disabilities and the unemployed. Applicants should be over 18, live in Torbay and have a business idea although not yet trading nor in full time education nor already self-employed. As places are limited, people need to register their interest before Fri 1 Feb, by calling:
                        Lisa on 01803 540 500 or
                        Denise on 01752 211 211.

SPOT the Difference
SPOT – ‘Speaking Out for Torbay’ – was one of the first organisations to take space in the Innovation Centre and is an advocacy organisation with links to MENCAP.

The 'Spot the Difference' programme was launched by Mayor Nick Bye in May 07 offering training around disability awareness, understanding learning disability, reaching a wider community and communication. One of the key activities is the simplifying of information including organisational policies, strategies, leaflets and signage.

All of the people who work within the SPOT office have learning disabilities and are supported in carrying out their work. Whilst the individuals currently work as volunteers, their aim is to be paid employees within 18 months.

Nikki Henderson, Project Manager is delighted with the progress so far and comments: “The team has done really well in getting ideas together and have become engaged with companies like EDF Energy, First Great Western and Torbay Care Trust. We hope to offer our quality service to businesses in Torbay and beyond.“ For more information, call Nikki on 01803 540 682.

Watermark Open Evening

Work is galloping ahead on The Watermark Centre in Ivybridge which will offer:

• 16 office units
• venue and room hire
• business support and training

An open evening for prospective tenants is being held on Wed 30 Jan at Ivybridge Town Hall, opposite the Watermark Centre. Anyone interested in finding out more, please call Frances Tanner on 0845 643 2423.

Come along to the next First Friday Breakfast meeting on 1st February at the Innovation Centre. Lloyd Brina from Ashfords Solicitors will be our guest speaker and will be introducing the subject of Intellectual Property Rights.

 8.30: Buffet breakfast
 9.10: Welcome from Adrian Sheen
 9.15: Intellectual Property Rights
 9.30: Networking
 10.00: Close

Please reply if you wish to attend so we can arrange a bacon bap/veg option for you.

December Meeting
Thanks to Richard Morgan from the TDA who, at the December meeting, gave an us an insight about European Funding Opportunities.

News in brief

Welcome
Several new tenants have recently taken space in the Vantage Point Centre, Paignton including Massey Building Management Ltd, Wessex Media and Publishing, Slumber-roo and Create Workshops. A very warm welcome to them all and look out for more details in future issues.

Training for Mentors
Launched in June 2007, the South Devon Business Mentor Scheme now boasts 25 Mentors and 55 Mentees. The next training session for Mentors will be on 20 Feb and includes Quickbook and website SEO. For more information, please contact Lisa on 01803 540 500.

Training Workshops
Over 50 training workshops have taken place during the last 7 months. These workshops are free to anyone who is thinking of starting/just started their own business. The next workshops are:

• 24 Jan : Planning & Regulations
• 28 Jan : Pre-start Awareness
• 1 Feb : Sales & Marketing
• 4 Feb: Finance
• 14 Feb : Pre-start Awareness
• 3 Mar : Planning & Regulations
• 12 Mar : Sales & Marketing

For more details, please call Lisa on 01803 540500.