From photographers to fitness coaches and everything in between, dozens of North East people are turning business dreams into reality with a new style of fully-funded training.

Learn Smarta specialises in giving people all the basics they need to start their own business, from testing out an idea with market research to writing a budget and a business plan.

Created for people with busy lives, the ‘fundamentals’ course now offers two ways to learn – either online at your own pace over approximately six weeks or in-person at a live two-day fast-track event. Bookings are now open for the first live sessions on Saturday 13th and 20th November at The Common Room, Newcastle City Centre.

So, whether you’re stuck in a rut, recently redundant or simply want more control over your destiny, Learn Smarta will help you get your business idea off the ground in weeks or even just days.

Hexham Courant: Emma Foley loved the Learn Smarta team’s family feeling, helping her to get her wellbeing business off the groundEmma Foley loved the Learn Smarta team’s family feeling, helping her to get her wellbeing business off the ground

My story: Emma from Newcastle

Fitness fan Emma Foley turned to Learn Smarta to help develop her passion into a business after furlough gave her a chance to reflect on what she wanted from life. She opted for online learning and after working with her tutors and other startups is feeling more confident about her business decisions.

“I realised my job wasn’t making me happy,” she said. “I’m well known by friends and family as someone with heaps of energy and a love of people and I really needed a way to channel that. So, I set about finding a way to share my passion in a way that would earn me a living too. And that’s how my business Emma Foley Wellbeing was born.”

Learn Smarta helped her with business planning, budgeting, marketing ideas and more.

“A friend spotted the course on Instagram and I was keen to see what all of the fuss was about. I was looking for an element of support to guide me through these early days. The supportive, comfortable environment gave me the encouragement I needed.

“I really liked having access to the online platform so I could dip in and out and spend extra time on things that I needed to build on. The style and level of information was so easy to follow and the mix of video and tutoring kept it interesting.”

Is it for me?

In short, yes! If you’ve got the glimmer of a good idea – even if you don’t know the first thing about business – Learn Smarta can help you bring it to life.

The startup fundamentals programme is perfect for anyone wanting to make money from a hobby, set up as a freelancer or build an ambitious business from the ground up. And because it’s designed by the team behind Gateshead-based Transmit Startups – who’ve helped 10,000 people set up their own business – it’s built on the real experience of real entrepreneurs.  

Better still, funding by the European Social Fund, means the training is free to anyone living in Tyne and Wear or Northumberland (subject to eligibility checks).

Hexham Courant: Learn Smarta helped Annie McCourt brew up a brilliant new business as an alternative source of incomeLearn Smarta helped Annie McCourt brew up a brilliant new business as an alternative source of income

How does it work?

Online learners move through the accredited course at their own pace, using the Learn Smarta online learning platform. Pre-recorded sessions are complemented by live, interactive group tutorials, networking and Q&A sessions, as well as 1:2:1 coaching time with tutors. A choice of times are offered for live sessions to accommodate busy schedules.

Live event learners attend two, full-day weekend workshops covering all of the business basics in a friendly and informal learning environment where they can meet tutors and other startups in-person. These focused sessions away from the distractions of home are ideal for intensive learning and inspired thinking.

Hexham Courant: Nifty knitter Helen Stuart signed up to make her side hustle help pay the billsNifty knitter Helen Stuart signed up to make her side hustle help pay the bills

What’s next?

Visit https://get.smarta.com/learnsmarta-f2f to find out more about Learn Smarta’s new live events and popular online training. Fully-funded places are limited so early booking is recommended.