Celebrations at St Mary’s Guildhall in Coventry on Monday 16 June marked the graduation of 16 students from Project Inspire, a unique new Coventry-based, LEGI- funded enterprise and personal development programme for people considering running their own business.

The brainchild of a number of key local partners including Coventry City Council, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Progressive Educational Tools, the project provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for individuals to identify barriers to self-employment, develop networking and presentation skills, improve self-esteem and link with support services.

The participants from diverse backgrounds and ranging in age from their late teens to forties, undertook the course over a series of 12 half-day sessions. With their business ideas varying from window cleaning, catering and photography to home maintenance, holistic therapy and clothing, the course stressed the importance of combining high motivation with practical and realistic targets; taking small, manageable steps to success rather than being overwhelmed by the big picture.

Diane Phillips-Elvey, a 40 year old mother of three took part in the course with a view to setting up her own newsagent and convenience store. Having held down two jobs for a number of years, she decided it was time to put all her energy into one and make it her own. “Project Inspire has been absolutely fantastic! It’s given me a real insight into how to get motivated and run a business. I no longer feel like I’m going through it alone or that there’s no one to support me – people just don’t realise just how much help is out there.”

Diane added, “The process has taught me to face my barriers head on and turn them into positives. I’ve already met two people on the course who I’m looking forward to working with, so it’s been a great networking opportunity too. Thanks to LEGI I’ve secured a grant and with the help of my LEGI Business Mentor I am about to submit my business plan. I’m more determined than ever that I’m going to be opening my own store in the very near future!”

Impressed by the impact of Project Inspire, Carl Pearson, Head of Regeneration Services at Coventry City Council commented: “It’s been a superb learning experience for everyone involved. When the students started, some were undecided about whether self-employment was really for them and most lacked the self-confidence to take their ideas to the next level. But thanks to the skills and insight they’ve acquired, everyone has been inspired to take advantage of the support services available and realise their dreams.”