Outset Norfolk is a fully funded programme by Norfolk County Council and the East of England Development Agency, with the aim of supporting under-represented enterprise groups from Norfolk to start their own businesses. The 4-stage programme comprises info sessions, one-to-one guidance meetings, coaching and mentoring, plus start-up training and connections to other business support services.

To maximise the support the programme would provide, Outset Norfolk asked people who were self-employed or ran their own businesses to donate a little of their time to the programme’s service, the Outset Norfolk Time Bank.

The Time Bank has to date accumulated 2136 hours from 77 mentors. The Outset Norfolk mentor process sees mentors engaging with the programme as a result of networking activity, PR and a social media strategy.

All mentors are provided with an official Mentoring Guide and are encouraged to contact the programme should any problems arise.

Case study: Christopher Collins

After being made redundant from the National Health Service last year, Chris decided that he could use his experience of painting and decorating to become self-employed. His local Jobcentre Plus referred him on to Outset Norfolk, where he was able to take advantage of business start-up support, including a mentoring scheme, which has since proved most valuable to Chris.

“The Outset offering was an immediate support and, unlike other providers, you didn’t have to wait weeks on end until the next session – advice was on-hand when you needed it. Having a mentor has been great. I’ve gained experience of everything, from putting together professional business quotes, to networking. I have even done some work for my mentor and I know he is always available over email if I need anything.”

Chris initially attended an Outset Norfolk Information Session, where he was able to meet like-minded people and discuss taking his business idea forward. Following a one-to-one meeting with the Outset Norfolk Programme Manager, Chris was then matched with his mentor – a local tradesman experienced in self-employment.

The support Chris received helped him to move forward with his business idea. In February, Chris took the first step and registered as self-employed.

“I knew it wouldn’t be a walk in the park at first but I am really enjoying it!” Chris commented.

“With the help of my mentor, I have put in my first quote for my own work and although I am having to work hard to find business at the moment, and finding more regular work subcontracting, I’m hoping to take on more of my own work in future.”