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Since launching in 2005, the Enterprise Nation team has helped thousands of people start and grow their businesses. Led by founder Emma Jones MBE, Enterprise Nation continues to be the most active UK small business community and a leading campaigning voice for small business. Joining Enterprise Nation connects you with resources, community and connections you need to reach your business goals.

It's our mission not just to bring Enterprise Nation readers guidance via 

, but also to meet you face to face and introduce you to industry experts who can help you grow your small business.

Last year, we ran more than 15 classes, talks and panel events, which were attended by more than 250 prospective and current small-business owners. Here's a quick run-down of what we offered in 2012 - and what to look forard to in 2013.

Our series of Go Global talks helped small-business owners gain the expertise to tap into international markets. Speakers ranged from representatives of PayPal and DHL to the excellent Tony Wheeler, who explained how e founded and built a global publishing business with Lonely Planet.

In December, we hosted a fascinating fashion event with Alison Lewy, author of 

, as well as Maurice Mullen, fashion editor at the Evening Standard, and freelance fashion journalist Emma Freemantle. Our preened panel answered questions from a sold-out crowd at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London and discussed the ins and outs of setting up a successful fashion business.

Our 'start your business in a day' class is enduringly popular and last year we attracted 250 new and prospective  small-business owners. Led by Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones, the one-day 

 cover everything you need to know to start a new enterprise and give you the opportunity to network with other business and ask questions directly of Emma.

 leads this one-day seminar for small-business owners and marketers in Grimsby and London in which you can learn how to use your experience to generate thought leadership strategies that will build reputation, drive leads and, ultimately, sell more.

So popular has StartUp Saturday proven that we're inviting other presenters on board and taking it to the nation! Kicking off in London, Birmingham and Exeter, we're hoping to reach more prospective businesses than ever.

Enterprise Nation partner and new online education brand 

 is offering Enterprise Nation readers a discount on a range of webinars and courses between January and April. The elearning courses, aimed at creative professionals and small businesses, will cover topics ranging from starting a business to social media marketing.

We also have other events in store (quite literally, in fact!) that we'll be announcing in due course. Stay tuned to the blog and check out 

Face to face with Enterprise Nation and partners

business.connected: boosting small businesses digital skills

Watch back: boosting small businesses digital skills&nbsp;

Lucy is a jargon free, social media trainer and consultant. Lucy is a #SheMeansBusiness accredited trainer and founder of SocialDayUK the UK’s biggest social media marketing festival. Lucy is also a Director at Avviso Media, a digital marketing agency that specialises in content and social media marketing for B2B and events brands. Lucy’s passion is to up-skill women and so set up DigitalWomen with Natwest, a community created to empower 1 Million plus women through digital skills which holds regular events and highlights the great work women are doing in digital and entrepreneurship.

Director

Social media marketing for small Business

A group to learn and share social media advice and tactics

Creative Director

Bringing Your Brand to Life

&lt;p&gt;What will you get?&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Your business will have&amp;nbsp;a fabulous looking and fully functional website along with other assets you need to bring your brand to life*.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;What you cover&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;What are the critical elements your website must have?&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;How to implement your foundations, business and marketing plan, and brand identity into your site.&lt;/li&gt;
	&lt;li&gt;Functionality - what is the user journey a

&lt;p&gt;Hi, I’m Chris Dowling. I’ve been there and done it! With over 35 years of business experience to draw upon, I am here to help you too. You will benefit from my advice, and I will support you through the challenging changes your business needs to make it more successful wether you are a Start-Up or established business.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;My services include:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Business mentoring Business development &amp;amp; growth&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Assessment and analysis of current position&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Sales &amp;amp; marketing Cash flow and financial management&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Access to government support and grants&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Writing a Business plan&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Access to Start-Up loans.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;We will define your business goals and ensure you have the knowledge, skills and processes needed to achieve them. I will be your ‘sounding board’ and ‘critical friend’, helping your business grow and expand – taking it to the next level.&lt;/p&gt;

Business Consultant

Chris Dowling

&lt;p&gt;Hi, I’m Chris Dowling. I’ve been there and done it! With over 35 years of business experience to draw upon, I am here to help you too. You will benefit from my advice, and I will support you through the challenging changes your business needs to make it more successful wether you are a Start-Up or established business.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;My services include:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Business mentoring Business development &amp;amp; growth&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Assessment and analysis of curre