Despite the challenges of 2020, Barnsley College saw a record number of businesses launched by current and former students who are already seeing success after receiving support from the iTrust initiative.
The iTrust initiative, a joint venture between the College, The Barnsley Chronicle and The Business Village, supports students interested in starting up a business. Students who choose to receive support from iTrust have access to an array of information and guidance including mentoring from the College’s Enterprise team, The Prince’s Trust, industry specialists and local businesses. The scheme can also provide students with a start-up grant of up to £250 to launch their new venture.
Jess Widdowson, enterprise team leader at Barnsley College, said:
“iTrust has been busier than ever. Our aspiring entrepreneurs are realising business opportunities in very challenging times and the support that they are receiving from iTrust and local businesses is proving to be invaluable to the success of their new ventures.”
The College saw a record number of businesses launched in 2020 by current and former students who are already seeing success after investment from the iTrust Initiative:
Pitz Prints
Layton Yates, a BA (Hons) Popular Music student at Barnsley College Higher Education, has turned his passion for drawing, creating art and becoming a musician into a business venture.
Layton’s business, Pitz Prints, was born when he realised he could promote his music by printing designs onto clothing and sending his customers a free CD of his own music, with all orders over £25.
Layton, said: “My interest in the printing industry started about two years ago and I quickly decided I wanted to create my own business. I was inspired by the idea of bringing something new and different to Barnsley and I have been seriously working on my business venture for about six months. I have recently injected more funding into my equipment and stock and I’m slowly building up a client base and focusing on promotion.”
Layton received a grant from iTrust which allowed him to purchase an automated cutting machine ensuring the cutting and printing process reduced the lead time for his customers.
Nails by Ella
Barnsley College student, Ella White, was inspired to start her own business, Nails by Ella, after considering her employment options and deciding she would love nothing more than for people to recognise her own work, which she felt was only possible by working on her very own clients.
Ella said: “At first I was a little scared about pursuing my career goals and I didn’t know how to start a business but, because of the iTrust initiative, I now know exactly what I have to do and I’m so much more confident. They have helped me so much, with little things like creating a name and a Facebook business account to accessing in-depth information on how to get insurance.”
While working from home, Ella has devoted her time to completing online courses and brushing up her nail art skills to provide her clients with a variety of treatments. Ella received a grant from iTrust enabling her to purchase her insurance and she also has access to a further grant which she will use to purchase more stock and complete further training.
If you would like find out more about iTrust or employer engagement initiatives offered by Barnsley College please contact the Enterprise Department by emailing enterprise@barnsley.ac.uk
