HIE Shetland is inviting islanders who are interested in starting their own business to sign up to their popular First Steps Into Business course.
The course, which runs over two-and-a-half days, takes people through all the basics of setting up and running a small enterprise, including book keeping, marketing and preparing a business plan.
The course is free and offers a practical guide for anyone unsure about navigating their way into the world of trade and commerce.
Young Shetland filmmaker, Robert Lowes, said he found the course invaluable in helping him set up Digital Imagineering, his new digital video production company, based in Walls.
“The course is surprisingly well packed into the two and a half days. It covers an awful lot of things, but the pace is good and they make it nice and simple so everyone can get a grasp of the information. And they are always willing to go into more depth if you need it,” Mr Lowes said.
Terry Holmes, from Yell, recently set up Shetland Otters with fellow otter enthusiast John Campbell to take tourists otter watching and to act as consultants and scientific advisers.
“We already had the business up and running when we went on the course, but going on it gave us the reassurance that we were doing everything right. We would definitely recommend it for anyone who hasn’t had any experience in business,” Mr Holmes said.
HIE Shetland development manager, Marie Robertson, said: “This is an intensive course and everybody that has taken part has gained a lot from its practical approach to understanding what is involved in the early stages of a new business.”
The next course runs from 23 to 25 October. Anyone interest in taking part can contact Train Shetland on 01595 744744 or Development Partners on 0800 838 321. The course is free of charge.
HIE Shetland also offers free start up packs and business advice for new businesses, as well as free one day workshops in marketing and promotion, selling and basic book keeping.
MEDIA RELEASE issued by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. You too can post your story ideas for journalists (aka Press or media releases), on allmediascotland.com. Email info@allmediascotland.com for more information.
Contact: Marie Robertson
Phone: 01595 746810
Email: Marie.Robertson@hient.co.uk
Website: http://www.hie.co.uk
