Photo credit: John McLean Photography
Where Can I Find Free Business Courses for Entrepreneurs, Startups and Small Businesses in Leicester?
Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.
Eleanor Roosevelt
When I returned to the UK from Australia, I needed to work to help support my family. Sadly, our society isn’t set up for part-time professionals and I quickly found that no one is looking to employ part-time website designers and digital marketers. And so, I decided to set up a small business using my skills and experience.
Having exactly zero experience in running a startup business, I needed to gain new skills, and fast. I did some research, asked around, and looked for free small business training in Leicester.
Not only did these events, workshops and training courses help me tool up my business knowledge in key areas, but they were also great networking opportunities. I’ve been lucky to make some fantastic business connections and excellent friends through the events I’ve attended.
This post calls out just a handful of the free business resources for entrepreneurs in Leicester and Leicestershire. So if you’re on the lookout for some free small business training in Leicester and the surrounding area, read on.
Leicester Business Festival
28th October to 8th November 2019
The annual Leicester Business Festival event is now in its 5th year. There is an expo plus a range of free seminars, workshops and events in and around Leicester.
The 2019 event kicks off at the end of October, so get yourself over to the events page on the Leicester Business Festival website, find the events for you, and sign up for tickets today.
This year I’ve registered for a few events at this year’s Leicester Business Festival. I’m very much looking forward to the Playing With Strengths, delivered by Cat Hase of ImagineIf. Cat is just one of the inspiring individuals I’ve met on Leicester training courses and I can’t wait for this workshop. Playing With Strengths takes place on Tuesday, 5 November, 9:15 AM – 12:30 PM at the LCB Depot. Read more / register on the Leicester Business Festival events section.
I’m also heading down for the Woman Who Inspires Network session and The Power of Storytelling for Business. There is a huge variety of topics to choose from so delve in and see what tickles your fancy. If you’re at any of the events just mentioned, come and say hi!
Digital Growth Programme
I’ve probably attended more Digital Growth Programme free business training in Leicester than I have with any other provider. The Digital Growth Programme has a truly comprehensive array of free courses for small businesses. They cover all aspects of business growth including marketing, sales, GDPR, and cyber security.
They hold a regular conference each year which is free to attend. Plus they run workshops and exhibit at the Leicester Business Festival.
The Digital Growth Programme covers:
- Derbyshire
- Leicestershire
- Nottinghamshire
- South Yorkshire
If your business is ready to expand but in need of a cash injection, then there’s also a matched investment funding pot which you can apply for.
NBV
The NBV offer a variety of different free business support, training, events, and funding opportunities depending on what stage of growth you’re at. I recently attended two sessions aimed at growing a business and found them extremely valuable.
Start-ups can gain access to the free Start and Grow resource platform, join the 3 day Starting in Business Programme, and find out about funding grants that they might be eligible for. Find out more about the NBV start-up support on the NBV website.
If you’re already in business and looking to grow, there’s NBV Business Growth.
For a full list of the NBV events in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Nottingham, take a look at their events calendar.
LCB Depot Business Growth
The first free business training I attended was recommended to me by awesome designer and creative, Sophie Hardwicke. She put me onto the LCB Depot and its Business Growth offerings.
Their new small business support offering is called Collaborate and is aimed at organisations of less than 250 employees trading in the Leicester and Leicestershire area. They offer free business support and advice as well as events and workshops.
Find out if your business is eligible at the LLEP website.
Edit: the Collaborate project ended on 30 September 2019. The LLEP website promises:
A new enhanced Business Gateway Growth Hub service will commence shortly including one-to-one advice, presentations/workshops and a capital grant.
http://www.llepbizgateway.co.uk/collaborate-business-growth/
Know Any Free Small Business Training in Leicester?
I hope you find some small business training in Leicester that fits your needs. This is just a handful of the workshops and courses I’ve found, but why not share your knowledge to help other small businesses in the Leicester area. Comment below if you have any recommendations for free Leicester business courses, events, workshop, or support for local entrepreneurs, start-ups, or small businesses.
