Entrepreneurs Unlocked joins an innovative new programme in Manchester, providing workshops, for people who are furthest from the job market, helping them to gain new skills and to ultimately set up their own business.

The Salford Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE), Learning, Skills and Work (LSW) programme, in conjunction  with partners, Groundwork Greater Manchester, Mustard Tree, Salford Foundation, Salford Loaves & Fishes and The Broughton Trust, works with people across Manchester, who are facing particular barriers to employment including having a criminal record, homelessness, history of domestic abuse (both men and women), victims of modern slavery, substance misuse, carers, veterans, young people leaving care, and physical and intellectual disabilities.

Sandrine Beaunol, LSW Programme Manager, said: “Following the release of the Salford Employment and Skills Strategy*1 last year, it was important for our LSW programme to include self-employment support, and we are really pleased that we could commission Entrepreneurs Unlocked to deliver this service across the partnership.

“The clients we work with present a variety of barriers that often cloud their vision to realise the huge potential they all possess, but its expertise and personalised approach leads to motivation and aspirations being rekindled, with opportunities to become self-employed looking less daunting and more suitable to fit around personal circumstances. We anticipate that this is set to be a very significant and impactful partnership for the programme.”