West Lothian Start Smart Programme

EVENT DETAILS

Date: In person workshops will take place on Tuesday, the 14^th of October, Thursday, the 23^rd of October, Tuesday, the 28^th of October, Tuesday, the 4^th of November, Tuesday, the 11^th of November, Tuesday. The 18^th of November, Tuesday, the 25^th of November, and Tuesday, the 2^nd of December (You must attend every session)

Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location: All in person sessions will take place at the The Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian office, (20-22 King Street, Bathgate EH48 1AX), excluding the session on the 28th of October, which will take place at the Bathgate Business Centre (6 Whitburn Rd, Bathgate EH48 1HH)

Improve your confidence, gain new skills, and ignite your entrepreneurial spirit at our fully funded programme.

The exciting new West Lothian Start Smart Programme has been designed to make entrepreneurship a viable, engaging and realistic career option for young people who may lack access, confidence or clear pathways into enterprise. 

Over 8-weeks, beginning in October, participants will take part in weekly 90-minute in person workshops supported by online videos, downloadable factsheets and interactive Google Classroom tasks. Completion of each module will unlock a £25 Amazon voucher, which can be used to purchase business equipment. Participants will be provided with a repurposed laptop that they can use to complete the online element of the programme, which they can keep after the programme. At the end of the programme, participants can also apply for up to £500 of funding towards eligible training and development.

The programme will be delivered by Business Gateway Advisers and expert business consultants, and will cover topics including idea generation, financial planning, marketing, AI, and personal branding. 

Here’s what attendees can look forward to from the weekly sessions – 

• Week 1 (14th of October) – The Seed of an Idea, delivered by Michelle Brown
• Week 2 (23rd of October) – Plan Like a Pro, delivered by Michelle Brown
• Week 3 (28th of October) – Digital Marketing Essentials, delivered by NS Design
• Week 4 (4th of November) – Money Talks, delivered by Business Gateway West Lothian
• Week 5 (11th of November) – Wellbeing for Entrepreneurs, delivered by S.M.I.L.E Counselling
• Week 6 (18th of November) – Your Personal Brand, delivered by Michelle Brown
• Week 7 (25th of November) – AI for Business, delivered by NS Design
• Week 8 (2nd of December) – Presenting Your Vision, delivered by Michelle Brown

This is a great opportunity for young people that are interested in self-employment, or are still considering options for their future.

Applicants must complete a questionnaire to confirm their spaces.

Please complete the form below to apply: