Northants entrepreneurs given help to turn ideas into reality

Vulcan Works in Northampton will host the incubator units for entrepreneurs

A new programme is being launched to help ambitious entrepreneurs get their businesses started.

Money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is being used to create the scheme at Vulcan Works in Northampton.

The Vulcan Creatives programme will start in January 2024 and will help at least 40 people from Northamptonshire get their ideas off the ground.

West Northamptonshire Council said it hoped the scheme would "make a real positive change to our local economy."

Vulcan Works is an old town-centre ironworks that was restored and converted in a £14m project to support new businesses in creative industries.

The council said the six-month programme would help entrepreneurs develop their business concept, creating a business plan and "teaching the skills needed to succeed".

Participants must dedicate at least two days per week to the programme and "actively engage" in one-to-one support and coaching.

Entrepreneurs taking part in the scheme will use Vulcan Works facilities

The council said those taking part would receive free access to Vulcan Works facilities and up to 50% off workspace in the building after graduating. 

It will be led by Vulcan Works' on-site business growth manager, Darren Smith, who said: "I look forward to working with local creative visionaries to bring their business idea to life and guide them through the process of exploring, validating and developing their idea into a fully-fledged business plan."

Daniel Lister, WNC's cabinet member for economic development, said: "The Vulcan Creatives programme will see new start-ups receive the support they need to grow and flourish, which has the potential to make a real positive change to our local economy."