New academy launched for Croydon's young entrepreneurs

As part of the Executive Mayor of Croydon's commitment to helping young people achieve their potential, Croydon Council has teamed up with the UK's leading business support provider, Enterprise Nation, to deliver a summer bootcamp aimed at the borough's young entrepreneurs.

Croydon Young Entrepreneurs Academy will provide a range of business support to start-ups, established businesses and sole traders aged 18 to 35.

The free bootcamp will include everything from how to turn an idea into a profitable business covering basic business skills, techniques to find investment and tips to build resilience against future economic shocks.

They will be delivered through a mixture of online and in-person events over a seven-week period during July and August with follow-up sessions in October. Sign up to the next bootcamp.

Enterprise Nation hosted a Google Digital Garage workshop on 11 July aimed at all local small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs), with in-depth training courses and interactive networking opportunities.

According to the most recent StartUp Ambition report, more than half (53%) of young adults aged 18 to 30 are considering starting a business this year -- with 68 per cent starting out as a side hustle while studying or holding down a full or part time job.

The council is funding the bootcamp through funding secured from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said:

"Croydon is a young borough and a borough full of talent. That's why it is important that we give our budding young entrepreneurs the opportunity to upskill and learn so they can fulfil their potential and thrive.

"It was great to see lots of young entrepreneurs at the launch event -- people with amazing ideas, who want to turn them into businesses. For each idea that succeeds, our borough benefits; strengthening our local economy, benefitting the local community and bringing new job opportunities for our residents."

Emma Jones CBE, founder and CEO of small business support platform and membership community Enterprise Nation, said:

"Enterprise Nation lives and breathes start-up and small business support every day and we really admire the ambition of Croydon Council's forward-thinking plans to boost the borough's economy by supporting the next generation of young entrepreneurs.

"We look forward to working with all those starting a business or in the early stages in this brilliant entrepreneurial borough."