Plenty of people have great ideas for a small business, but it’s never easy to take those ideas off the drawing board (or back of a fag packet) and into the real world.
Even those with plenty of experience face a whole load of obstacles which might see their plans for world (or at least north London) domination fail before they’ve been given a proper chance. Which is why we think a brand new initiative from Queen’s Crescent Market really matters.
Regular readers will know that we’re big supporters of the market, and after many lacklustre years with a few false starts, investment in its growth is finally underway.
As part of the positive new spirit, this month they’re offering a free, 2-week retail business and employment course, accredited by City & Guilds, (running from Mon 25th Nov – Fri 6th Dec). The training is then followed by a rent-free stall on the market, giving a proper leg-up to a new generation of local entrepreneurs.
Not bad, right? And indeed everything from stock control to customer service, and health and safety is covered on the course, plus there will be a Dragon’s Den scenario at the end of the fortnight to compete for an investment to cover start-up costs.
Queen’s Crescent has the perfect history for this endeavour, being where the mighty Sainsbury’s business first started, and also the birthplace of the Patak’s sauce empire too.
A registration takes place this week, with the course running 18th-29th, so applicants will need to move fast to secure their place. Interested? Or do you know anyone who needs this sort of chance? Share these details with them now – it could be the start of something big. Candidates simply need to be Camden residents, 19 years old or over, currently unemployed and have decent literacy, numeracy and ICT skills.
And finally? Don’t forget the very festive Christmas Market on Saturday December 7th.
NEW DATES ADDED: Wednesday 20th and Friday 22nd November from 2.00 – 5.00pm at Queen’s Crescent Community Association.