We know this is a time of unprecedented change and we’re all having to come to terms with living and working in a different way.

At OutsetCIC, we’re still very much open for business. We’ve moved all our training programmes online, so that we can continue to help people realise their dream of running their own business.

We’ve had quite a few questions over the last week, so we’ve put together some information that we think might help:

What is OutsetCIC?

Outset is a Community Interest Company, a social enterprise delivering award-winning start-up support service, committed to achieving social and economic inclusion through the creation of successful, sustainable new enterprises across the UK.

So how does it work, now social distancing means we are unable to go out?

Our face-to-face sessions and workshops are now available online. You still join up at the same date and time and we’ll email you a link to give you access.

The session will be run by one of our Business Advisors who are all now working from home.  You’ll still get the chance to interact, have discussions and ask questions about what you are learning.

I’ve got lots of time at home at the moment. Is the OutsetCIC programme something that would be useful?

Yes, absolutely! If you have a nugget of a business idea or dream of being your own boss, now is the time to explore that option. We’ll give you all the information, tools and support you need so that at the end of the sessions, you’ll have a business plan ready to go when the time is right.

Do I need a decent broadband speed and a good computer?

We’re using Zoom webinar system, so you will need some kind of desktop, laptop or tablet and it should work with most internet connections. If you have any problems getting access, we should be able to help you over the phone.

How do I join the online sessions?

When you sign up to an OutsetCIC programme, we’ll email you a link to join our online sessions. You’ll also get a personal Business Advisor who will keep in touch via email, phone and Skype to offer practical support and guidance.

Isn’t now a risky time to be thinking about running your own business?

We don’t believe so! Out of this crisis will come new ways of working and new ways of doing business. There will be demand for new and innovative products and services that don’t exist right now. By preparing for that now you’ll be ready to make the most of these opportunities when the time is right.

Why should I choose OutsetCIC?

Outset has engaged more than 30,000 individuals, supporting the creation of over 6,000 new businesses; and the service continues to demonstrate its value and impact on both an economic and social level.

Signing up to OutsetCIC programmes mean you’ll get access to our complete tried and tested programme; it will just be via webinar.

You also have free access to our e-learning programme Outset Online, which delivers all the information from our sessions using case studies, blog posts and videos, plus some bonus content like a Business Plan generator and a budget calculator.

How do I sign up?

Get in touch using the contact details on the programme page and we will arrange for one of our Business Advisors to give you a call for a friendly chat.

Between them, they’ve got many years of experience running their own businesses and are there to give really practical advice and support.

Find out more

We hope that out of this crisis will come a new generation of entrepreneurs creating products and working in ways we never could have imagined just a few weeks ago.

Stay safe and we hope you’ll join us to be part of this movement.