Next generation of Staffordshire business owners on track with course

Over 40 students at Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) are the latest in over 25,500 students to start ‘Ignite’; a fully interactive business course that teaches entrepreneurial and employment skills.

Delivered for the county council by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, the fully funded programme includes online support, workshops, mentoring and support for post-16 students with ambitions to set up their own business in Staffordshire now or in the future. 

Guidance for students includes finding gaps in the market, business planning, financial planning and marketing.

Axyl is 16 and is set on putting her skills to good use by helping other local businesses. 

She said: “I grew up with a family that ran small businesses and a lot of the time they’d really struggle with the financial side, and I really wanted to make sure that I have those skills.

“I love being creative and putting myself out there. I eventually want to be a business coach to help other local businesses, so having business experts come to us is fantastic. Getting the knowledge to confidently start a business and make it successful is really inspiring.”

Whilst some won’t go onto starting their own business straight away, through this course, they’ll always have options and will have the skills and knowledge that employers need.

If you’re a school or college interested in the Ignite programme, please contact david.poole1@staffordshire.gov.uk