Free online workshops and webinars for North Devon entrepreneurs and retailers

Entrepreneurs and retailers across North Devon and Torridge are being invited to sign up to a series of free online webinars and workshops to help them be successful.

The programme is being delivered by North Devon+ and funded by North Devon Council and Torridge District Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The aim is to support local economic growth by helping people thinking of starting their own business to develop strong business ideas and helping existing high street retailers gain the tools and skills to adapt and thrive.

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The Start Up webinar will be held on Wednesday, March 18 from 10am to 12noon and is aimed at those at the very beginning of their business journey.

It offers essential guidance, practical advice, and the confidence to take the first steps into self-employment. Topics include developing and shaping a business idea, understanding customers and markets, practical marketing basics and more.

North Devon + is also offering free practical workshops for ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers that have a town centre premises.

Wednesday, Arch 18 from 6pm to 7pm will look at boosting footfall and local visibility for independent retailers, while Monday, March 23 between 6 and 7pm will focus on increasing customer spend and creating repeat visitors.

Across the two sessions, participants will explore how to improve their customer offer and in-store experience, use low cost and effective marketing, manage costs and margins more efficiently and build a sustainable, resilient retail model.

The workshops are interactive, giving retailers the opportunity to learn from experienced advisers, share ideas with other local businesses and leave with clear, achievable steps to put into practice immediately.

The sessions are only available to those with physical town centre premises and online-only retailers are not eligible.

Louise Adam, programme delivery manager at ND+, said: “Whether someone is just starting to explore a business idea or running a high‑street shop, access to practical, relevant support can make a real difference.

“These webinars are about giving people clear information, confidence and ideas they can use straight away.”

To book a place on the free Start Up webinar CLICK HERE

Retailers wishing to take part in the March 19 footfall workshop should CLICK HERE and for the customer spend workshop CLICK HERE

Anyone interested in the Start Up webinar or retail workshops is encouraged to book via the links provided, or contact ND+ by phoning 01237 428834, emailing info@northdevonplus.co.uk or visiting www.northdevonplus.co.uk

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