Learn Smarta: start your own business in Sunderland

Learn Smarta has produced a fast, flexible online training scheme that could transform your latent talent over just six weeks, taking you to the next stage in launching your business. Funded by the European Social Fund, the training is free to anyone living in Tyne and Wear or Northumberland (subject to eligibility checks).

Whether you are stuck in a rut, furloughed, recently redundant, out of work for a while or simply want to control your own destiny, starting your own firm could be the route to success.

The start-up fundamentals programme is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, founders and freelancers, whatever sector they are working in. The practical help will help top-up your own skills, or teach you entirely new ones to help you succeed – everything you need to be your own boss.

My story: Helen from Gateshead

Nifty knitter Helen Stuart signed up to Learn Smarta to find out how her side hustle can help pay the bills. After six weeks working with Learn Smarta tutors, she feels more confident and informed about the choices she’s making with both her business and her job.

“My business Knitted Up North grew from a hobby. My day job is pretty stressful, so I began knitting as a way of unwinding at the end of a busy shift – I find knitting is like yoga for the mind!

“I started selling to friends and family, and they loved my fun and colourful designs. Their feedback made me realise this could become an alternative source of income and might even be able to replace some of my full-time job in the future.”

Learn Smarta helped her with business planning, marketing ideas and more.

“I was so naïve when I first set it up, though. I created an online shop on Folksy, listed some items, announced it on social media and then sat back and wondered where my customers were! I thought it was as simple as saying, ‘These are for sale!’ I now know there is much more to it. I dabbled with it for three years, but knew I needed to approach it in a more organised way if I was to really make it work.

“Then, I read about the Learn Smarta course on a blog I follow, and it really inspired me.

“I just thought, ‘What have I got to lose?’ and decided to give it a go. I loved the flexibility of how it’s delivered. The mixture of live and on-demand sessions mean you can catch up at weekends or at night, and can fit it around anything.”

Is it for me?

In short, yes! If you’ve got the glimmer of a good idea – even if you don’t know the first thing about business – Learn Smarta can help you bring it to life.

Discover everything you need to know to become the boss of your own successful business, from testing the water with market research, to developing a business plan and applying for funding.

Gain real-world business smarts from entrepreneurial experts, through interactive live learning sessions, 1-2-1 tutorials, group classes, and lifelong access to recordings and worksheets.

What do I do now?

Visit the Learn Smarta website to find out just what kind of entrepreneur you are, and what you need from a course.

Fully-funded placed are limited, so make sure you visit www.smarta.com/learn