A hands-on approach to learning business skills has seen six local people ‘graduate’ as entrepreneurs from the Islington Council supported pilot programme ‘Just an Idea’.<br><br>Run by Learning House, six local people who have or are about to graduate from university, attended the 12-week programme to learn how they could put their skills into practice and earn a living through their ideas for a business.<br><br>Using a specialist coaching method, derived from the successful Team Academy model in Finland, the Learning House encouraged a unique ‘learning by doing’ approach. It is the first time that this programme has been delivered anywhere in the United Kingdom. <br><br>London Metropolitan University mathematics student and programme ‘graduate’, Alen Nkellefack, 27, said: “Just an Idea is something every student should want to have a go at. I think it will appeal to so many people.”<br><br>“The programme is a unique opportunity for the naïve and timid to experience today’s business challenges and rise above their fears.”<br><br>On the completion of his exams and submission of his BSc project report in February next year, Alen aims to set up Restau-Alino – a restaurant based on Holloway Road that specialises in Cameroonian and African cuisine. <br><br>Although the restaurant’s main customers will be Africans, Restau-Alino will pride itself on its unique dishes and wishes to attract customers from all cultures.<br><br>Alen was among the guests at ‘A Mosaic of Ideas’, the event that celebrated the completion of the pilot programme on Thursday 13 October.<br><br>The programme was run at the Hub in Angel where an environment was created that allowed participants to get excited about the possibilities of starting up a business and encouraged people to think like entrepreneurs. <br><br>Participants had access to a network of more than 200 micro businesses, sole traders and small to medium enterprises for advice and expertise on nurturing an idea into a business.<br><br>The results of the programme have been encouraging with participants taking an increased sense of confidence and direction into progressing their business, moving into employment or continuing with further education.<br><br>The ‘Just an Idea’ programme was developed in partnership with the Learning House, Islington Council, London Metropolitan University and the 14-19 Partnership and funded through the London Development Agency (LDA).<br><br>Executive member for communities, Councillor Laura Willoughby, said: “It is an honour to be involved with this programme and the infectious energy and ambition of some of our borough’s brightest sparks.”<br><br>Learning House is now in the process of setting up a learning and business incubation space in Islington and will offer another ‘Just an Idea’ programme from January 2006.<br><br>Ends
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009