Outset was launched in 2009 to address the huge gap in support for disadvantaged clients and those living in our deprived communities to transform their lives through starting a new enterprise.
Since then, more than 30,000 individuals have engaged in the programme, and it has won many national and international awards. Now providing a range of course options, including Response to Redundancy and Fast Track, we’re delighted that our business survival rates outstrip the national average, and that 63% of our start-ups are women.
Outset support
The programme provides acknowledged best practice for disadvantaged client groups, and has been expanded to include a fast-track start up option for more business-ready clients and a specialist stream for individuals facing redundancy. It provides clients all with the vital knowledge needed for sustainable start-up, through interactive workshops and full skills training, action learning sets, 1:1 mentoring, peer networking events, post start-up support for up to 3 years, access to Start-up Loans, and our full online platform.
The fully funded Outset service is currently available in a range of locations:
- Outset Bristol
- Outset Cornwall & Isles of Scilly
- Outset Devon
- Outset Plymouth
- Outset Swindon and Wiltshire
Outset offered me support and encouragement right from the initial meeting and it helped me to not feel so alone.
Aleksandra Sasha Horwood
Founder, Happy Stance Yoga
Early on in our service provision, we realised that time was a constraint for clients, recognising that online provision of training would be more convenient for some, and we therefore invested in online version of the Outset programme – Outset Online.
This online platform contains the same award-winning content delivered in a user-friendly, highly interactive and social platform. It offers 50 hours of learning and a dynamic community of business owners and mentors.
Outset Online covered all the areas I needed plus some I hadn’t thought about. When I found something difficult to work on, I kept going, determined to stick with it and knew that I could always phone or email the Outset team for support.
Pip Hayler
Founder, Pip Hayler Photography