YTKO has secured over £2.8 million funding to deliver Intensive Start-up Support and Enterprise Coaching in Bristol and Torbay. The funding will to help create new businesses and new jobs, supporting economic growth in the South West, thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund, the South West Regional Development Agency, and Torbay and Bristol councils.

Together, the programmes will help to support almost 2000 individuals, businesses and social enterprises, create over 330 new businesses and inject at least £6 million into the South West economy over the next three years.

The Outset programme, developed by YTKO in response to the growing numbers of unemployed and economically inactive in the face of job shortages, supports people from groups typically under-represented in enterprise – including women, black and minority ethnic groups (BME), the over 50s, lone parents, young adults not in education or training (NEETs), and those with disabilities.

According to YTKO CEO Bev Hurley, “Women, lone parents with child-caring responsibilities, those with disabilities, and individuals from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in business. Mainstream business support services tend not to attract people from these groups, but we bring no-nonsense, practical support, advice and understanding to the local community.  Our experienced outreach and enterprise advisors provide support in easy-to-reach local community centres and other convenient venues, with flexible sessions in the daytime, evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs of our clients.

“We look forward to supporting the Outset teams in building strong working relationships with key partners and existing business support agencies to make a real difference in Bristol and Torbay.”

Outset Bristol and Outset Torbay will deliver support through relaxed and informal workshops and one-to-one coaching, all of which are completely free and delivered by a team of highly skilled and approachable advisors. This tailored support and attention to detail gives clients the right tools, skills and knowledge, as well as the personal development required to set up businesses on their own.

The Torbay and Bristol initiatives build on the the successful programmes delivered by YTKO elsewhere in the region – namely, Outset Cornwall & Outset Plymouth, which contribute to economic prosperity through creating wealth and jobs, by maximising mutually profitable and sustainable business activity.

Since its launch one year ago, the Cornwall programme has supported over 500 new entrepreneurs, of which 50 have since started businesses, having received the necessary training and developed the skills to begin self-employment. Outset Plymouth, which began just ten months ago, has supported over 250 individuals in the city, and helped to create 25 new businesses. Most importantly, these programmes harness the potential of those facing disadvantage, supporting the creation of new businesses and jobs that would otherwise not likely come to fruition.

With Outset Herts having launched in September, YTKO has recently added three new programmes to the Outset ‘family’ of self-employment support – the results of which provide clear evidence for its success in making a lasting difference to both the local and national economy, contributing to social inclusion and enhancing social capital.