Big Ideas Wales: Project Start-up
Project Start-up is a programme of free online workshops, advice and mentoring to give you the support you need to start your business.
It aims to give you, the young people in Wales, the knowledge, skills and confidence to start your own business through a series of webinars (more on that below), access to expert support from Big Ideas Wales business advisors and mentoring from Big Ideas Wales Role Models, who are real-life entrepreneurs.
Project Start-up is:
- Flexible: You can attend as many workshops as you like, in any order, and learn at your own pace.
- Supportive: You’ll have access to expert business advisers and mentoring support from real-life entrepreneurs to help you achieve your dream.
- Accessible: You don’t need any qualifications to take part, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about entrepreneurship.
It’s aimed at young people under 25 in Wales who are interested in being their own boss one day. So if you:-
- are a little uncertain about what you want to do in the future but quite like the idea of being your own boss
or
- have a business idea and want to know more about what it means to be a business owner
then Project Start-up could be perfect for you.
Project Start-up aims to give you the skills and knowledge you need to start your business.
But if you decide that entrepreneurship is not for you, you’ll still pick up valuable skills and experience that will be useful to you no matter what career path you take.
You will also get a certificate after each workshop you attend to demonstrate this knowledge and strengthen your CV.
Workshops
The online workshops are designed to help you learn the skills you need. You’re free to go to all of them, or dip in and out depending on your situation. Your business advisor can help you decide.
Below is an outline of what to expect at each workshop. Click on the links to find out when they take place and book your place. We look forward to meeting you there!
Join us to explore what self-employment actually looks like and let us dispel those common myths and assumptions that often surround starting your own business.
By the end of this workshop you will:
- Have a full understanding of how Big Ideas Wales can support you
- Know what type of entrepreneur you want to be
- Be ready to turn your idea into reality.
The quickest way to talk yourself out of an idea or a plan is to assume that you’re not clever enough strong enough or deserving enough to make it happen. Let us help you silence that negative inner voice.
By the end of this workshop you will:
- Have developed strategies to combat those feelings of self-doubt
- Know what resources are available to further support you
- Understand how confidence and belief feeds into the success of your business
Public speaking is a great skill to have if you’re keen to start your own business. Whether you are attending a networking event or talking to potential customers, there are plenty of ways that Big Ideas Wales can help you develop your skills as a speaker.
By the end of this workshop you will:
- Know how to present yourself to different audiences
- Have developed skills and a strategy for remaining calm under pressure
- Be confident in your ability to discuss yourself and your business
Leadership is a mindset that can be learnt to determine your own journey rather than follow the pack. Big Ideas Wales will walk you through 5 key skills that will see you edge out the competition and take your business idea to the next level.
By the end of this workshop you will:
- Have an understanding of how to relate the skills you have learnt to your journey of becoming self-employed
- Be confident in knowing your leadership style and strengths.
Having a business idea is great and having drive to succeed is even better, but looking after yourself must always be the first priority.
By the end of this workshop you will:
- Have a reset contingency to avoid burnout
- Know where to find extra help and support if needed
- Develop your own coping strategies
A mistake made by so many entrepreneurs is jumping to the visualisation of your business before the ethos and voice of your venture has been full thought through.
By the end of this workshop you will:
- Be on the way to creating an effective image of your idea
- Have developed your brand vision and business ethos
- Know how you want your business idea to come across to others
How can you stand out in a crowded online space? How do you make sure you come out on top of any searches or results? How do you make platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram work for you?
By the end of this workshop you will:
- Know what social media platforms will be the best fit for your business
- Be able to make trends, searches and insights work for you
- Have the tools to know how to create a great online presence
A big challenge for new business owners face is knowing what to charge for their products and services. Big Ideas Wales can help you understand the different pricing strategies open to you as well as showing you that margins, forecasts and knowing your value is easier than you think.
By the end of this workshop you will:
- Know how to effectively cost for your product or service
- Understand how to forecast future sales and plan for profit
- Be on the path to managing your money and your time
Market research isn’t just about asking your family and friends if they like your products or services; it’s about exploring the market itself to know the size of the opportunity, the competitors already out there but, most importantly, working out who your customers actually are and where you can find them.
By the end of this workshop you will:
- Be able to access free resources to explore your chosen sector and industry
- Have a clear understanding of who your customer is
- Be able to identify and outsmart your competition
Not every business idea will need thousands of pounds to get it off the ground but it’s always handy to know what financial avenues are open to you as a fledgeling business. Big Ideas Wales has you covered.
By the end of this workshop you will:
- Have learnt about the Young Person’s Start Up Grant and your eligibility to apply
- Have an understanding of all available funding and finance options for your business
- Know what other support and guidance exists when it comes to juggling the costs of running a business.
Self-employed, limited company, sole trader; knowing what type of business owner you want to be can seem a daunting prospect. You also need to know about insurance, tax requirements and what records you need to keep.
By the end of this workshop you will:
- Know which business type is best for you
- Have a clear understanding of the insurances and cover your business will need
- Realise that tax isn’t half as scary as people say
How to register with HMRC and also talk through the next stage of your journey as a post-start participant and what other support is out there, from Big Ideas Wales and also other organisations.
By the end of this workshop you will:
- Have completed your New Biz Check List to make sure you have covered everything
- Be ready to register with HMRC
- Exit the pre-start programme as an established business owner