The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed many households who were just making ends meet to the very edge. Access to good jobs, training and employment opportunities are key to the recovery period, but for some individuals, who are carers, parents or have disabilities themselves this is not always possible.

Upstart Enterprise CIC is a social enterprise which has been working at grass roots level in Newcastle since 2019. Their social mission is to increase the number of successful adult business start-ups from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The first cohort of potential start-ups have been funded by North of Tyne Community Led Local Development. North of Tyne Community Led Local Development Funding North (NT CLLD) is a locally managed funding programme, led by a partnership of representatives from the VCS, local business, the public sector and local residents.

The Upstart facilitators have been providing group and 1-1 support for individuals with a business idea, but not sure where to start.

Director at Upstart Enterprise Vicki Stone says – “We believe everyone should have a chance at setting up their own business, regardless of background or educational attainment. The majority of our first cohort of potential start-ups are on benefits, and some have caring responsibilities. In this first cohort we have four social enterprises who really want to make a difference, which is great news for supporting local people in the communities they live in.”

Tony Kendall, from Kenton in Newcastle has worked all his life and due to an accident resulted in him unable to carry on his job as a HGV driver. Tony is registered disabled and he also cares for his wife.

Tony Kendall says – “This course was fantastic. Without Upstart, I would be standing still. It has given me the confidence and knowledge to set up our social enterprise, TKS Pre-loved furniture.”

Tony adds – “TKS Pre-loved furniture will be doing it’s part in eliminating furniture poverty, by making items affordable for people struggling and stop items Going into landfill. We will be working with the local foodbank and other local support services too with our flatpack with a purpose service. This will be helping local people with their flatpack assembly, which can be very frustrating for those unable to do DIY.”

Potential entrepreneur, Frankie Herman is also on the start-up programme, and as a result are going to pilot their business idea in 2022. Frankie’s business will benefit local teenagers in Benwell by teaching traditional wood crafting skills and she has already established a like-minded partnership with Tony’s social enterprise.

Frankie says – “My partner and I are hoping to set up a business and with the help of Upstart Enterprise we’re able to do a pilot with teenagers in the West End of Newcastle next Spring. I really enjoyed the start-up sessions, and it was great to get to know like-minded people too.”

Vicki Stone says – “2022 is going to be an even busier year for our start-up support programmes as we grow, with more funding to deliver even more free support across Newcastle. We’re looking for a retail premises to use as an incubation unit, so we can offer discounted rent for brand new start-ups in their first few months of trading. If you are a person who has always thought about setting up on their own, Upstart Enterprise can support you to help give you the very best start, no matter what your circumstances are.”

For more information visit www.upstartenterprise.com