BETTALIVES offers day provision for people over the age of 19 who have additional Special Education Needs (SEN). Founders Gail Tonge and Michelle Atkinson share how the support and ‘excellent resources’ of Launchpad have boosted their business confidence.
Tell us about your company?
BETTALIVES offers day provision for people over the age of 19, who have additional needs. Gail Tonge and Michelle Atkinson both collectively have over 40 years’ experience working in a special educational needs school.
The focus is around providing a wide range of opportunities to enable all individuals to gain the confidence to reach their full potential, while promoting individual independence and social skills to enable a sense of self-worth within their community.
When did you first decide to start up on your own and what inspired you?
Over the past year we felt there was not enough provision within our area for our young people after leaving school and college. This inspired us both to leave our existing jobs and open our own private-run day provision. We started the ball rolling in January 2021 with a view to being a two-year plan. Just six months later, after speaking to parents and carers about the lack of provision around the area, we have had a lot of interest and will be officially opening our doors on Monday September 6.
How has Launchpad helped you?
Launchpad were the first people we contacted, and we attended a series of workshops. This gave us an insight into how to run a successful business. The workshops were an excellent resource for us and gave us the confidence to realise we could make our business work. With the help of the trainer during the workshops and the aftercare we received, we produced a business plan and a cash flow document and are both excited to begin our new journey.
What are your hopes and aims for the business?
We are very passionate and intend to offer outstanding provision to support all of our adults to achieve personal goals, live more independently and potentially seek employment.
Our long-term passion is to expand our business to provide a service to meet the needs of all young adults in our area by opening further provisions that will cater for more complex needs.
We would also like to open up provision to offer opportunities for our clients to work towards their ‘preparation for adulthood’ outcomes which are written into their Education Health and Care Plans.
Business start-up advisor Nicole Harte said: “Gail and Michelle have such passion and enthusiasm for working with people with SEN. They have identified the lack of provision after leaving education and want to fill that gap, providing a safe setting where adults can continue to develop their independence.
“They have worked really hard on developing their business plan and getting everything ready to open in September. I have no doubt they will make this a success.
“Starting and growing a business is not easy and that’s why the Launchpad programme was created. Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and our partners means there is no cost to the entrepreneur, so we can get straight to work on turning those dreams into reality.
“Stop dreaming and do it. Contact us for information now on 03330 00 00 39 or email growthhub@sheffieldcityregion.org.uk”
Launchpad is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund meaning there is no cost to the entrepreneur, so we can get straight to work on turning those dreams into reality.
