“I’ve been inspired to pursue my ambition”

So said one student after the first day of Lambeth’s brand new “Start your own business” course. The course is being delivered by Colin Crooks of Tree Shepherd, a passionate and experienced social entrepreneur. Colin firmly believes that great business ideas can be found everywhere and that people from across the community have the potential to be entrepreneurial and do something that will benefit both them and their community.

The course is funded by Lambeth Adult Education Services and people from across the borough and from all walks of life came through the doors of High Trees Community Centre in Tulse Hill. Many are currently unemployed, more than half had not run a business before, and the age range spanned the generations.

Colin was delighted with the attendance. He said “I’m really pleased that so many people have come today and I’m especially pleased that the course has appealed to people from such varied backgrounds. I believe diversity, both of ideas and of experience, is the key to making a course like this successful. Without a high level of diversity it’s easy to make lazy assumptions about things like markets and motivation.”

And as people’s stories and ideas were revealed through the day the depth and breadth of the entrepreneurial spirit was startling – indeed one student, Rishin Paonaskar said “It was particularly uplifting to see people who initially seemed reserved and unsure of themselves open up and express some truly unique ideas by the end of the morning session.”

It’s early days yet but the down to earth teaching style seems to have struck a chord with the students – “It tells me how I need to focus” said one after the first day and another said “it provided the best way to start up and succeed.”

The Start up business course is now full but Colin is working on setting up new courses elsewhere in Lambeth – watch this space!