Initiative is great ‘shopportunity’ for wannabe business owners

AN ASPIRING entrepreneur will be awarded £10,000 to start-up a business thanks to an initiative backed by funding from the government.
Sharon ClarkeSharon Clarke
Sharon Clarke

Following a review of high streets, commissioned by the department for business, £1.2 million was allocated nationwide to trial ideas for regeneration – with Worthing getting a slice of the funds.

The ‘shopportunity’ project will see new entrepreneurs given two weeks of intensive training, and each will produce a business plan.

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At the end of the process, the plans will be scrutinised by a Dragons’ Den-style panel, and the best idea awarded funding and help to start up in one of the town’s vacant retail spaces.

Town centre manager Sharon Clarke said although there would only be one winner, the initiative could see a number of viable start-ups.

She said: “The goal is to produce a business plan, while getting expert advice. Hopefully, those who don’t win overall can still go to the bank with a great plan and get funding.”

For the full story, see the Herald and Gazette, out Thursday, July 25.

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