A LEGI-funded DVD created to inspire the people of Coventry into enterprise, whatever their age or background, was launched yesterday at the Broad Horizons Youth Enterprise Centre in Foleshill.
Uniquely, the Inspiring Enterprise DVD forgoes the usual practice of using entrepreneurs from £multi-million ventures as role models to showcase home-grown success stories from across the city. The documentary depicts interviews with eight Coventry entrepreneurs who discuss how they set up their businesses; their challenges and achievements and the support networks they utilised.
The project is the brainchild of Steph Cutler, a Coventry-based enterprise ambassador with a passion for engaging people into business. Responding to recent research findings, which highlighted how few City residents knew people who had set up their own business, Steph set out to bridge the information and inspiration gap. After contacting LEGI to discuss her idea, Steph secured LEGI funding and went on to recruit six disabled media students from Hereward College to film the documentary. Steph then engaged Coventry-based film production company Cre8ivday to teach the fledging crew skills such as scripting, presenting and camera handling.
Steph comments: “I’m absolutely delighted with the DVD - the entire project has been an exceptionally positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved; from the entrepreneurs who have been truly inspirational in every way, to the students who have increased their confidence and learnt so many new skills.”
“By featuring real people setting up real businesses we’re showing Coventry’s budding entrepreneurs that success is within reach. Even as an established business owner myself, watching this DVD has inspired me to succeed all over again.”
Dianne Williams, LEGI Business Youth Enterprise Champion, adds: “Encouraging and inspiring local people to start up their own business has always been at the very heart of the LEGI programme, so we were thrilled when Steph approached us with the idea. It all started with a phone call, and we’d urge anyone who would like to find out more about setting up their own business to do the same.”
Anyone keen to find out more about how LEGI can help people into enterprise should contact 0800 030 5344 or visit www.legicoventry.co.uk
The DVD features eight successful Coventry entrepreneurs with businesses ranging from bee keeping and personalised perfumes to graphic design and a thriving cafe.
The Inspiring Enterprise DVD will be distributed to enterprise agencies and secondary schools throughout Coventry, reaching approximately 5,000 people in total. Recipients include Coventry University, the Women’s Business Development Agency, The Prince’s Trust, Job Centre Plus, Hereward College Enterprise Club, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Business Link. It will also be given to all Year 10 pupils in Coventry as part of their compulsory enterprise education.
Businesses featured include:
· Liquid Cafe, a city centre bar and cafe
· Keresley Books, an online book store
· Cynch, a training consultancy for businesses
· The Perfume Studio & Sands Beauty Salon
· Shari Amos Design & Bijou Woo, print and web design
· Honeyfields bee keepers
· AJWoodcare
· In Loving Memory Tributes
Please note: copies of the DVD can be requested by calling Steph Cutler on 07855 941766
