HeadStart

Whether you want to be your own boss, get that side-hustle off the ground, start generating some passive income, or just get a better work-life balance, we can help.

You'll receive free 1-2-1 advice and coaching, free workshops and training on how to set-up your own business, and £1,000 grant to help get you started.

Who is it for?

If you live, work, or intend to set up a business in the towns of Kirkby-in-Ashfield or Sutton-in-Ashfield, you could be eligible for support through HeadStart to get you started on your journey. Click here to check if your eligible.

What do I need?

Just an idea and the motivation to get started.

Our advisers will walk you through establishing a new business in those all-important early months. We will guide you through everything you need to know, and you don't need to have any knowledge or prior experience of running a business.

There is also no cost to access the programme for eligible individuals.

Octopus of Enterprise Podcast

Hear from Lindsay Bray, the founder of FUEL, a local start-up that has been supported through our HeadStart programme.

Find out more

Workshop	Content
Workshop 1: Starting with a clear idea and target audience	Tools to plan your business How to describe your idea quickly and clearly Describing your target audience Gathering information to give your idea a better chance of success.
Workshop 2: Fundamentals of marketing and key resources required for your business	Developing your brand and key messages How best to reach your customers How to promote your product or service Understanding the core resources needed to deliver your product/service.
Workshop 3: Making sure the business can be run profitably	Considering start-up costs Income and running costs of your business Tax and national insurance Applying for the grant and grant administration Action planning for start-up

Workshop

Content

Workshop 1:

Starting with a clear idea and target audience

Tools to plan your business
How to describe your idea quickly and clearly
Describing your target audience
Gathering information to give your idea a better chance of success.

Workshop 2:

Fundamentals of marketing and key resources required for your business

Developing your brand and key messages
How best to reach your customers
How to promote your product or service
Understanding the core resources needed to deliver your product/service.

Workshop 3:

Making sure the business can be run profitably

Considering start-up costs
Income and running costs of your business
Tax and national insurance
Applying for the grant and grant administration
Action planning for start-up

How to access to £1k grant

We'll work with you to address the areas set out above during the workshops. You will also have access to one-to-one support and advice in working towards producing an Enterprise Ready Plan to set out your business idea. At this point, you will be able to apply for the £1,000 grant to help get your idea off the ground.

Eligibility

This programme is specifically for people who live in Kirkby-in-Ashfield or Sutton-in-Ashfield or for those that live outside of those areas but intend to set up a business there.

If you have any further questions, you can contact the team directly at EnterprisingAshfield@ntu.ac.uk.

This programme is part-funded by the Government's Towns Fund.

If you live outside of Kirkby or Sutton-in-Ashfield, you can access other support from the NTU Enterprise team.