Start Up Programme by the NextGen is a Catalyst for Business Owner Confidence
Jane and Marie, Co-Founders of VirtualEase Assist
Jane and Marie, founders of new VA service provider VirtualEase Assist, joined the new NextGen Start Up Programme following its launch in July.
The duo got immediately stuck in with the programme, accessing the online training modules, discovering their website health, SEO results and reflecting on their social media content through the digital audits, and making use of the 90 minutes of 1-2-1 business mentoring available.
Marie explained, "From the onboarding process to platform access, the ongoing support from The NextGen has been fantastic.
"The NextGen training and learning platform is extremely easy to use and navigate. As a logical and methodical thinker with an eye for aesthetics and clean appearances, The NextGen ticked all the boxes for us.
"The creativity and flow of the training is super engaging and interactive, I like how the modules were released in batches as this helps to not overwhelm, slow the pace of the training and support the learner to really understand each module in its entirety.
"Module 1 [Getting your Business Model Right] gets you thinking about the basics, some of which you may think is common sense, while others really stop and make you think: ‘What is it I'm trying to achieve and why?’ The tools provided really help to bring that alive.
"The Brand Awareness module makes you think about your brand, who you are, and is your brand representational to you and what you are trying to achieve. I could have spent forever playing with the branding wheels. Again, having interactive and thought-provoking learning tools, helped me to engage.
"Finances - the thing that will either build or fail a business. It's a topic that needs careful consideration at any point in your business and we certainly found the training module to be invaluable.
"The social media module the most exciting for us. As a small business with a unique offer, we are striving to build a presence and brand awareness, but it’s getting that next step in place that sometimes goes beyond the average skillset.
"Overall, the training has wide range of topics, that does make you stop and think about whether what you have in place currently, is firstly right and secondly is sufficient for how you want to move forward. It presents an opportunity to revisit and make simple changes, even if you think you have certain aspects nailed.
"With all the above and with the bonus of Kathryn's mentoring, check-ins and support, we have uncovered some great new focuses to move forward with. We have this newfound confidence within ourselves and our business to push those wheels in motion."
The NextGen Start-Up Programme offers fully funded places for budding entrepreneurs to access business training sessions, masterclasses, coaching and mentoring, all delivered by experts in their field.
Networking opportunities, a comprehensive digital marketing audit, and mentor-matching services are also offered to participants.
Launched by Staffordshire County Council and funded by the UK Government, the programme is being delivered by business support specialists The NextGen, who have a track record in helping fledgling businesses in the county plot a successful growth curve.
Staffordshire County Council has a range of business support services and initiatives available, and more information is at: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Business/Supportandadvice/Business-Support
To apply for a place on our new programme, download the application form at https://www.thenextgen.co.uk/start-up-support-staffordshire and submit it to their customer service team at info@thenextgen.co.uk.