Barnsley College and Barnsley Sixth Form College students who have dreams of starting their own small businesses in the region can access information and support from industry specialists and local businesses with the help of iTrust, the College’s business start-up programme designed exclusively for students.
The latest student to join the programme is Sophie Noble, who opened an Etsy shop selling music-inspired merchandise while at school and has continued to grow her business while studying at Barnsley Sixth Form College.
Sophie, who’s studying A Levels in maths, business and sociology, spotted a gap in the accessory market which turned into a successful business, Soph’s Ringss, selling over 8,000 items through Etsy.
Sophie began working with iTrust to research alternative ways to grow her business and worked with the team to identify areas for improvement, such as marketing and social media. As part of the iTrust programme, Sophie received a £250 grant - some of which she has used to purchase embroidery equipment - with plans to utilise the remaining cash to expand her jewellery offering.
Sophie said: “I would definitely recommend the iTrust programme to others who are thinking of launching or have already launched their own businesses. The grant has been so helpful and has encouraged me to expand my ideas and business prospects!”
Barnsley College’s enterprise department is home to the iTrust initiative, a joint venture between the College, Barnsley Chronicle and The Business Village, which supports students interested in starting up a business in the area.
Students who receive support from iTrust have access to an array of information and guidance, such as mentoring from industry specialists and local businesses and financial investments.
Lee Perks, enterprise team leader at Barnsley College, added: “Sophie has taken both her true interests and self-taught skills and turned them into a business. She has a super creative mind, and I am really excited to continue to support her and watch Soph’s Ringss grow.”
As well as inspiring students to follow their dreams, the enterprise team also heads up the Talent United initiative, an employer engagement programme aiming to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing students with employer-led and employer-based opportunities.
Talent United partners can spark the creative minds of Barnsley College’s students by facilitating guest speaker workshops, workplace tours, work placements or apprenticeship opportunities.
Talent United partner Bubul, an intelligent business advice software company, is celebrating its one-year anniversary.
Bubul is a unique platform that provides tailored advice for individuals who want to start and grow their own business. Nigel Greenwood, managing director of Bubul, supplied iTrust students with an information workshop and a personalised set of recommendations for their businesses.
If you think you might be interested in becoming a Barnsley College Talent United partner, visit: www.barnsley.ac.uk/talent-united, email enterprise@barnsley.ac.uk or call 01226 216 840.
