Supporting a local entrepreneur with Derby College

We have partnered with Derby College to develop its Entrepreneurship Academy, supporting aspiring business leaders.

Having been heavily involved in the Entrepreneurship Academy programme since its inception, one of our employees chairs the strategic board for Derby College.

Participants in the programme participated in workshops to prepare themselves for the Pioneer Pitch, a series of sessions designed to guide entrepreneurs through the key elements of preparing a business plan, before pitching that business plan before a Dragon’s Den-style panel

Kayleigh Whyte, who is 25 and from Littleover, presented her idea to develop an online floral design business called Enchanted Eden. Through the Entrepreneurship Academy, she secured a grant, a loan which we funded, mentoring support from local business professionals and free membership to the Federation of Small Businesses, all of which aids her to pursue her business plan. She commented on her success:

“I am over the moon to have secured this financial and mentoring support from the Entrepreneurship Academy, it will enable me to develop my business. I also plan to set up workshops and school activities in the future as the business grows and the goal is to have my own shop and to employ people who share my passion for floristry.”

A spokesperson for Flint Bishop said;

“The Entrepreneurship Academy promotes entrepreneurial skills amongst students and provides financial and mentoring support for those ready to set up their own business. We are delighted that Kayleigh is this year’s recipient and, with this support, we are sure she will make a great success of her business.”

Derby College Director of Enterprise and Innovation Louise Curd concluded;

“The college’s Entrepreneurship Academy programme links students with employers to give them mentoring and work experience and placement opportunities to better prepare them for the world of work. Students across the college have also been invited to submit their business ideas to the panel and we are delighted that Kayleigh is the first to be provided with the financial and mentoring support under this new programme. We are particularly grateful to Flint Bishop for their long-term commitment to supporting our students as well as financially helping students like, Kayleigh and others realise their entrepreneurial aspirations.”