A new enterprise centre in North Staffordshire is aiming to become a central point for local talent to start up, connect, collaborate, and grow.
Launch It, a group of UK youth enterprise support charities, has opened its first Midlands enterprise centre in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, following two years of searching for a suitable home.
Launch It Stoke-on-Trent will focus on nurturing young entrepreneurs, creatives, artists and makers to drive regeneration of the local area by providing workspaces, support, training, mentoring and funding opportunities.
The town hall hub features 20 state-of-the-art studios with a mixture of co-working and individual workspaces and aims to support 40 people a year.
An open day is scheduled for 22 May and the centre will hold its first training programme in July with workshops for young people eager to start or grow their businesses.
It also runs a mentorship programme called Rocketlaunchers, designed to match entrepreneurs with industry experts to help with their growth and a digital skills development programme for start-ups, called Digital Pioneers is ongoing.
The centre’s launch has been made possible thanks to a partnership between Launch It, a group of local trustees and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Sponsorship has come from Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
Anya Cummings, Launch It Stoke-on-Trent Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “We are beyond excited to officially open the doors to Launch It Stoke-on-Trent and welcome young founders, small business owners, supporters and the local community who will be part of this vibrant space.
“Bringing Launch It’s 25-year legacy of helping break barriers to thriving in entrepreneurship to Stoke-on-Trent marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter – one where ambition meets opportunity, and young entrepreneurs can help shape the future of this vibrant city.”
The city council paid to refurbish the building with a contribution from the central Launch It team towards branding and signage. Around £31,000 of funding has come in from The Weavers’ Company, The Grace Trust and Launch It Chairman Philip Howard. The team is looking to raise another £40,000 in year one.
Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning and ward councillor for Longton, added: “Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire offer immense potential for growth, innovation, and business development.
“Launch It Stoke-on-Trent is a pivotal part of our long-term vision for the city’s regeneration, helping to build a stronger, more inclusive economy by supporting local talent and empowering young people to turn their ideas into reality.”
Anyone interested in attending the open day, can sign up here.
