In June, we organised a workshop for freelancers, small business owners and anyone who’s ever dreamed of being their own boss. We asked people about their experiences of trying to get started with a new business idea and about the challenges they faced.

They told us about how rewarding it can be to work for yourself, how flexible it can be and how proud they were of their products and services.

They also told us about the realities of trying to run a business from your kitchen table when you’ve been at work all day and how difficult it can be to stay motivated when you face set-backs on your own.

With all this feedback in mind, this week we launched the Community Business Club. The club has one simple aim: To be a supportive, encouraging group where small business owners can share experiences, ask questions and learn new skills.

This initiative is a collaboration between the Trust and Opportunity Enterprise, a small business founded by Roussillon Park resident Greg Sandford. Greg has been involved in enterprise education for 15 years and has run similar groups in the past. Greg says:

“You have to be pretty resilient to start a business, and having people around you who are in the same boat can make an enormous difference. You might find that there’s a simple solution to something that’s been bugging you for weeks, or you might find that everyone else has the same problem too!”

To begin with, the group will meet monthly in the Roussillon Community Hall. Some sessions will look at particular skills that are helpful to refresh, like planning your finances or developing a brand for your company, while others will be an opportunity for members to catch-up, share progress and hold each other accountable for their goals.

On 18th October, a pair of talented entrepreneurs from Portsmouth and Southampton – a chocolatier and a photographer – will visit to talk about their experiences of balancing work and starting up. All are welcome – even if you’re dreaming of working for yourself but haven’t taken the first step yet.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 18th October, 6.30-8.00pm, Roussillon Community Hall.
Email greg@opportunity-enterprise.com to join the mailing list or ask a question.