The Centre for Micro Enterprise (CME) at London Metropolitan University is launching an innovative new course in the spring for pre-start women entrepreneurs who want to set up health-focused businesses.

Called Enterprise On Track, the course, a project partnership between NHS Essential Skills Team (EST) and CME, will be taught from the University’s Moorgate site. Funding for the project has been provided by the London Development Agency under the Opportunities Fund.

According to CME Manager, Hilary Farnworth, the project, which involves modular support for the beneficiaries, builds on the CME’s work with women’s enterprise, forges new partnerships, and takes business skills and enterprise training to a new
group of business owners.

’Enterprise On Track outreaches to community-based businesses who are centred or deliver in designated disadvantaged London Boroughs,’ Hilary said. ‘Eligible businesses can be focused on health, care, sport, beauty, alternative health, or provide services to health-focused businesses.’

The CME assists women to be more successful in their enterprises, grow their businesses and play a vital role in the economy. Between 2008-2009, the CME will deliver training to 80 women start-ups.

Current projects include More at 50, which involves training 25 women over the age of 50 to become entrepreneurs, Forward at 50, which assists 120 women over 50-years-of-age who want to become self-employed or have recently started a small business, and Forward into Self-Employment at 50, where 80 women are being trained and supported to go into self-employment.

There are 40 places for women who want to take part in Enterprise on Track, which will begin in February 2008.

For further information please contact Enterprise On Track on 020 7716 7015 or The Centre for Micro Enterprise on 020 7320 1573. Email Hilary Farnworth on hilary.farnworth@londonmet.ac.uk or Katy Roberts atk.roberts@londonmet.ac.uk.