Over 200 people in the Borough of Havering have been supported in the past 19 months to turn an idea into business and grow their young enterprise through the Havering StartUp support programme. The programme moves into its final three months so apply now if you'd like 2018 to be the year to become your own boss!
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In 2017 over 600,000 people started a business and benefited from the freedom and flexibility that comes with working for yourself. Is this the year you're considering getting started? If so, access free support including events, consultation calls with advisers, webinars and newsletters through the Havering StartUp support programme, delivered by Enterprise Nation with backing from Havering Borough Council.
 
In the past year the programme has supported over 200 people including former city law firm PA Kate Sunderland who now runs virtual PA firm In Harmony Virtual Assistance from a shed in her Hornchurch garden, and Upminster-based former city IT marketeer Vikki Kavanagh who gave up the rat race after discovering the benefits of yoga in her early 30s.  The mum-of-two now runs private classes across the borough via her business Heartfelt Yoga, including at The Old Chapel in Upminster, to families, children, teenagers, adults as well as classes teaching chair-based yoga techniques to those with limited mobility.
 
The programme has delivered 2,000 hours of mentoring via regular small business drop-ins at Havering Town Hall with Jo Sealy, founder of marketing firm To Market and founder of the Waltham Forest Business Network
 
It also offers participants free tickets to StartUp 2018 on January 13 at Queen Mary's University in Mile End, London. This epic day-long event features 100+ speakers across 12 zones and delivers all you need to start a business in the space of a day. Choose talks on topics from sales to PR, master facebook and instagram, be inspired by keynote entrepreneurs and meet start-ups just like you!
 
Access your free ticket and sign up to the start-up programme now at www.enterprisenation.com/havering  

We had a great turnout for the Christmas networking event at the Wm Morris gallery on Friday 24th November 2017.

Thanks to our event sponsor Estates17 and to the speakers from Link4Growth, Hive Collective and WF Connected for sharing information about their own networks.  Delicious Bellini drinks from Woodford and Warner added to the festive mood!   Also thank you Niamh and Savannah from Holy Family Sixth Form and Jodi Grier for meeting and greeting guests and generally being super helpful!       ​Images credit: Penny Dampier 

The Waltham Forest Business Network will be holding a Christmas networking event on 24th November in the gorgeous surroundings of the William Morris Gallery. 

BOOKING ESSENTIAL: Register Here
The Waltham Forest Business Network is a private business network of business owners and those with an interest in the borough and East London. We aim to increase our network of contacts, improve the way we run our businesses and network with like-minded individuals. Established for over 7 years the network has held workshops and networking events that support and connect businesses throughout the borough. 

Come for drinks, nibbles & influential speakers, meet other local businesses & creatives, then stay for the E17 Designers Christmas Market.
​Kickstart your Yuletide! 

Proposed schedule: 
5 - 5.15 - Arrivals 
5.15 - 5.30 pm - Speakers
5.30 - 6.30 - Networking
6.30 - Gallery opens for Christmas Late

Inspiring Women - 12 Hours FREE business support for women   
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The Inspiring Women Business Growth Programme is a pan-London programme, so any female run business in London can apply. Areas covered include: Business Development, Finances, HR, Environmental Management and, of course, Marketing.