Last year saw the launch of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur Foundation. This initiative involved the recruitment, training and mentoring of 29 Hertfordshire-based entrepreneurial businesses.
Hertfordshire Chamber recognised the need to identify and support local entrepreneurs; individuals who have a vision, can inspire others to join them on their journey and drive the success of the local and national economy. The Entrepreneur Foundation was designed to nurture and grow a new network of enterprising individuals who meet these criteria; offering a two-year initiative of guidance, training and support.
Now approaching its second year, the Foundation is seeking to recruit a new cohort of entrepreneurs who are passionate about their ideas; about turning their concepts into reality; and who have the energy to create new successful businesses.
Chief Executive at Herts Chamber, Briege Leahy, is herself an experienced entrepreneur, having set up and run her own company, Luna Logistics, for eight years prior to joining the Chamber. Briege commented:
“I am absolutely delighted to be launching the second phase of the Entrepreneur Foundation. Time has flown by and the talent and initiative that our entrepreneurs have displayed has been astounding. I am so proud to have them all as part of the Herts Chamber initiative.”
Jeremy Bishop, Chairman, Herts Chamber said:
“This initiative is designed to support and encourage many of the fantastic businesses in Hertfordshire. We want to help them to grow their enterprise, to take their start-up company to the next level and to help and advise them on all aspects along the way.”
So far, members of the initiative have received training in a number of areas, including: setting up a business, legal advice on contractual and employment information, financial advice and attracting investors, intellectual property, cyber security, website creation, social media channels and organising PR campaigns.
Now moving into the second year of the initiative, current Entrepreneur Foundation member Clare Stead of Oliiki, commented:
“Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity and for all those taking the time to support us and help us develop on our Entrepreneurial journey. I can’t tell you how much it means to me and my business. I’m sure that not only will my business be stronger for this fabulous initiative, but so will Hertfordshire, for investing time and care in the next generation of businesses.”
The Chamber looks forward to working with the next group of talented new entrepreneurs, offering them training, support and mentoring to help ensure their companies thrive and grow in this challenging environment.
For further information and to download the Entrepreneur Foundation brochure, plus application form, please visit:
https://www.hertschamber.com/entrepreneur-foundation
The deadline for applications is 23rd December 2021
