Free business support in Bedfordshire – apply now to get advice and grants to boost your new enterprise
Sophie Dean Voiceover
“I was an actor and found voiceover originally as a side hustle to keep working creatively when acting work was sparse,” says Sophie, who had ambitions to keep growing her business and repeat client base to hopefully earn enough money to go full-time.
She provides voiceover narration for businesses worldwide – explainer videos, commercials, telephone messages and e-learning.
Then she found out about a programme run through Wenta that offered match-funded grants.
Wenta is offering £55,000 to give away in grants by the end of March through the Central Bedfordshire Programme called ‘Central Start’, and is offering free advice, support and coaching to fledgling businesses – it could even help turn an idea into a going concern.
“They offered a wealth of free training resources,” says Sophie.“ The advisors are great and really know their stuff. I was also interested in their networking events,” she says.
Sophie“I received a match-funded grant that I used towards voiceover coaching. The application wasn’t too tricky, there were some things I didn’t know how to fill out in the business plan but I got full support with that.”
Sophie says: “The coaching I had was invaluable and I have learned techniques that I apply every day in my voiceover work. My yearly turnover has increased since having the coaching and I have more repeat clients.”
About the scheme
The scheme is there for any kind of business – it could be part-time run from home or someone wanting to branch out to work for themselves.
Georgina Wark, Head of Digital, Communication & Marketing at Wenta, explains: “A new business start-up need not be alone, just having someone to talk it through with can be really helpful – starting out on your own can be a lonely thing.”
“Our business advisors have been there and got the tee-shirt,” she said. “They are all independent advisors, who have been through the process of setting up their own businesses, so they understand.
Contact Wenta
All you need to do is read the criteria, register your interest and book your free 1-2-1 session with an advisor and they will talk you through everything you need to know.