A unique, free PopUp Business School that gives participants the tools to start their own business without capital or funding is visiting Cardiff for the first time in May.
The PopUp Business School is open to anyone, free of charge, wanting to start their own business and is being run in partnership with Cardiff City Council, Wates Residential and local housing associations. The life-changing two-week training course provides participants with the support and tools to start a business as well as the confidence to make the first step.
Simon Paine, The PopUp Business School, co-founder, says
“We are giving local people the tools to change their own world. Our approach is anything but traditional. We have our own unconventional model for supporting businesses that doesn’t involve a business plan. 30% of the people that come on our course start their business before the end of the workshop and 27% make their first sale. Anyone in Cardiff who would like to learn new skills, who has a business idea or a fledgling business can book a place on the course and will take home with them practical advice, training and a clear way forward.”
The PopUp Business School, which is being delivered across the UK, helps potential entrepreneurs, small businesses and start-ups take their businesses towards their first sale. Thetraining schedule includes a mix of practical sessions, one-to-one coaching, workshop sessions and peer support. Workshop topics include starting a business without investment, sales and marketing, building a free website and finding customers.
Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, Cllr Russell Goodway, said:
“Cardiff Council’s Into Work Services and Economic Development team are excited to be supporting the PopUp Business School two-week event in the heart of the city centre. The PopUp team will teach budding entrepreneurs how to set up a successful business in a unique and innovative way. We look forward to the people of Cardiff having the opportunity to learn about business start-up and hope this will mirror the success the PopUp team have brought to other cities they have worked in.”
The PopUp Business School’s tour of Wales will visit Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil with other locations to be confirmed.
The Popup Business School in Newport earlier last year:
The Cardiff PopUp Business School is available free of charge to participants through sponsorship and funding from Cardiff City Council, Wates Residential, Wales & West Housing and Cadwyn Housing Association.
Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive at Wales & West Housing said,
“We are continually working with both our residents and the wider communities to make a difference to people’s lives, homes and communities. Over the last few years, we have noticed more and more, that the people we engage with are interested in turning their hobbies and interests into a business. However, this can be really difficult with little or no money and no support. We were really excited when we heard about the PopUp Business School initiative and are really proud to be working in partnerships with Cardiff Council, Wates and Cadwyn to sponsor this event.”
Lucy Davies, Community Investment Manager at Wates Residential, one of the sponsors, said:
“At Wates Residential, we feel passionately about giving back to the communities in which we work so we’re delighted to be sponsoring the PopUp Business School in Cardiff, as it kicks off its ‘Tour of Wales’. It’s both refreshing and exciting to see a company addressing local unemployment in a fun, innovative way. They understand that a ‘one size fits all’ approach doesn’t work, and with their guidance and motivation allow everyday people to follow their dreams and build sustainable businesses. Their results speak for themselves.”
Cardiff PopUp Business School: Monday 14th May to Friday 25th May, St David’s House.
To book a free place on the Cardiff Pop-Up Business School, visit www.popupbusinessschool.co.uk/events
