Meet our learners - Steve
After making money from a hobby, Steve turned to Learn Devon to help develop his business skills and support his new venture.
When Steve’s hobby unexpectedly started to produce money, he realised that he needed some support to improve his business skills. While the financial success was welcome, it quickly became clear that turning a passion into a sustainable business would require knowledge, structure and support.
Recognising this gap, Steve enrolled on the First Steps to Self-Employment course with Learn Devon. The course was designed to guide first-time founders through the basics of starting a business. The course provided a solid foundation in essential topics such as tax, record keeping, business planning and marketing.
Conversations with peers, along with the guidance of a knowledgeable tutor, helped Steve gain confidence around making informed decisions. Steve reflect, ‘Talking with other people in a similar position and working together with the tutor was just what I needed.’
Building on this progress, Steve continued with a follow-up course, Introduction to Business Promotion and Marketing, which focused on marketing and publicity. This next phase deepened his understanding of how to position products effectively in the public eye. The tutor’s own self-employment experience added depth to each session as she spoke from real experience.
‘The tutor was helpful, drawing on her own experiences of self-employment, and the group was lively and interesting.’
Now, equipped with new skills, insights and a positive mindset, Steve feels empowered to take bold steps forward with his new business.
‘I feel more knowledgeable and empowered now, and have been guided through the various ways and means of getting my product into the public eye.’
Contacting our team
If you would like to improve your skills or gain qualifications, get in touch with our friendly team who can talk to you about what is available.
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