Do you know someone who is disabled, would like to run a business and needs support?
This week, November 17-23 is National Enterprise Week.
Ready to Start is an employment initiative,which is run by Leonard Cheshire Disability in partnership with Barclays. Ready to Start backs disabled people to begin their own business.
Ready to Start supports more than 1,000 disabled entrepreneurs all across the UK to unlock their hidden potential and start a business.
Self-employment is a workable option for disabled people,particularly as they still face unacceptable barriers to entering the job market and are more likely than non-disabled people to live in poverty.
Ready to Start provides disabled entrepreneurs with a business buddy, distance mentor, free computer equipment, software, training courses tailored to their needs, start-up advice and information about relevant trade bodies and business associations to help them network locally.
Schani Cave is a disabled man who has set up in business as a pilates and dance instructor.His business dream became a reality thanks to some invaluable back-up from his Barclays Buddy,Daniel McLaren.
If you know someone who is disabled, with designs on running a business and would like to know how to make a start, visit www.readytostart.org.uk or call 08456 717173.
JANE FLETCHER
Leonard Cheshire Disability Director Innovative Projects
