Budding Croydon entrepreneurs with a big business idea but no website or premises can learn the ropes for free by joining a council-backed workshop starting on Monday.
Registration is still open for the Pop-Up Business School, which will teach participants over two weeks how to develop their ideas before offering them free use of an empty shop unit in The Whitgift Shopping Centre until Christmas.
More than 100 people have already signed up for the 10-21 October course, which includes:
• One-to-one help from a team of experts
• Tips on developing your own website for free
• Advice on marketing via social media
Open to everyone including the long-term unemployed, the course is designed for those who have a business idea but no website, premises or start-up cash. The course runs from 10am-4pm on weekdays.
After the training ends, those who took part will then get the chance to operate their business rent-free from the former Shoe Couture shop unit near Starbucks in Whitgift Square.
The course is sponsored by Croydon Council, Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres, The Croydon Partnership, Westfield/Hammerson, and Wandle and Amicus Horizon housing associations.
Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for economy and jobs
“We’re proud to co-sponsor this event because we want even more people across the borough to tap into Croydon’s growing economic success.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone who has dreamed of starting their own business but didn’t know how – and I look forward to seeing the results.”
For more information about how to sign up for the event, visit the Pop-Up Business School website: www.popupbusinessschool.co.uk/croydon
