Cliff Dobbs, enterprise manager for Angel Yard and Launch It’s North London area manager, on how the charity is providing new opportunities to gain business skills

Angel Yard in Edmonton helps provide low-cost business space for local entrepreneurs

Launch It is a group of UK charities dedicated to empowering the next generation of business founders.

For over 25 years, we have supported more than 12,000 young people to start and grow successful businesses, particularly in communities where access to opportunities, networks and affordable workspaces can be limited.

At the heart of our work in Enfield is Angel Yard, our local enterprise hub in Angel Edmonton, supported by Enfield Council. Once derelict garages, Angel Yard has transformed into a welcoming enterprise hub where local young founders and small business owners can develop ideas, build confidence and turn ambition into action.

From affordable workspaces to fully funded practical training, mentoring, funding access, business advice and peer support, Angel Yard helps local entrepreneurs lay strong foundations for sustainable businesses while contributing to the local economy.

Through our intensive two-year incubation model for young founders aged from 18 to 30 years old, and wider start-up programmes, we support entrepreneurs at the crucial early stages of their journey not just with business skills, but with the personal development and confidence needed to succeed.

Launch It also supports enterprise and community-building initiatives at Angel Yard such as the regularly held makers market with The Market Plug, last summer’s art showcase with The Matchbox Collective, tree lighting events and other workshops.

We’re now excited to invite local residents to take part in Launch It Labs, a new start-up support programme powered by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) through Enfield Council.

Launch It Labs is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs and aspiring founders in Enfield who have a business idea or are just getting started. Through a fully-funded intensive two-day business bootcamp happening this month on Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th, participants will get the opportunity to master the basics of starting up, develop essential skills and access free expert mentoring. Participants can also connect with like-minded founders and, at the end of day two of the bootcamp, pitch for a share of £3,000 in funding at a final showcase event.

If you’re a local entrepreneur with an idea and the drive to build something of your own, Launch It Labs at Angel Yard could be your next step.

Find out more about Angel Yard:
Visit launchit.org.uk/angel-yard

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