Celebrations on Enterprise Island
Blackpool's new army of entrepreneurs are celebrating the latest stage on their journey towards setting up in business.
The 14 people all took part in the Blackpool Enterprise Island Challenge and, three months on, some are already well on the road towards seeing their business dreams come to reality.
They gathered at the De Vere Hotel in Blackpool to celebrate the end of their 10-week "challenge" which saw them receiving specialist advice and help to teach them how to think and act like entrepreneurs.
The Enterprise Island Challenge, sponsored by The Gazette, and delivered in partnership with Blackpool Council, is a concept created by enterprise guru Iain Scott who led the Blackpool Challenge and travelled back to the town for the celebration event.
One of the Blackpool entrepreneurs, Irma Vitorano, announced at the event that her new business - making healthy cookies and muffins - had just been launched and she had already taken her first orders.
She told the audience that the challenge had given her the confidence to go into business. She added: "Thank you for helping me make my dream come true."
Iain Scott, who has led successful Enterprise Island Challenges throughout the UK, said: "It is fantastic to see how far the Blackpool Islanders have come in such a short time. Irma, for instance, has realised her business dream."
Another islander, Kelly Camm, started the challenge wanting to open a soup, sandwich and smoothie bar, but has decided on a mobile operation with fewer overheads which will be on the road soon.
David Skinner, who undertook the Challenge with partner Tracy Cregan, said: "The event was a great opportunity to network and show off our new vintage gifts product range which we developed as a result of the Challenge and will be selling over the internet."
Also taking part in the Celebration of Enterprise event were members of Blackpool Council enterprise and employment team, representatives from the Get Started team and established business people including Claire Smith who, with her husband, Mark, runs two award-winning B&Bs.
For more information on the Get Started program visit the get started site