New skills programme for young parents in Folkestone
Be Your Own Boss is back and now in Folkestone! Applications are now open for young parents (18-25 years) to gain the skills and confidence to launch their own food and drink company.
This October, we are bringing Be Your Own Boss to Folkestone! Our training programme aims to give young people the skills and confidence to start their own food and drink business.
Delivered in partnership with Sunflower House, a community hub in the heart of Folkestone, our upcoming eight-week programme is designed specifically for young parents. Participants will learn how to develop a low-cost food-related business idea, market a new product, and manage business finances.
Our three key ingredients for Be Your Own Boss are food product development knowledge, start-up business skills, and crucially, network building. Two successful programmes previously took place in Margate in 2024, designed for young people not in employment, education or training (NEET), and in Medway earlier this year.
Our Folkestone programme is specifically designed for young people aged 18 to 25 years who are also parents.
Rebecca Smith, Kent Business School, who runs the programme for Growing Kent & Medway, said, “The course is designed with our participants, so it is tailored to meet the unique challenges and circumstances facing young parents. Our hope is that they not only leave the programme with experience in developing a food product and a broad understanding of how to start a business, but that they also gain confidence and make new connections that support them in the future.
“Previous participants have gone on to start their own businesses, but the skills gained have also led others to take up volunteering placements and work opportunities. Ultimately, it is about creating self-belief, something Be Your Own Boss has an incredible track record in achieving.”
Jon O’Connor, Sunflower House, said: “The recipe for success for Be Your Own Boss has been in building supportive communities, creating connections with mentors and hearing from people with industry experience. Community is the core of our ethos at Sunflower House, and we recognise its vital role in building prosperity, creating opportunities and boosting well-being. We’re therefore excited to be the delivery partner for this fantastic initiative here in Folkestone.”
Evaluation of previous Be Your Own Boss programmes has shown young people repeatedly reporting feeling more confident and optimistic about their future following the training.
“The course helped to grow my confidence and maintain some normality. This in turn helped with my confidence to apply for jobs and volunteering.”
“I was unsure about starting my own business, so I joined the course to get a better understanding and more confidence. I feel the course helped me move on as it enabled me to have a clearer understanding of how to manage my business through marketing etc and to get a better understanding about the needs of the customer.”
“Even though my circumstances are unique, it has given me time to think and plan ahead for when my circumstances change. I could not do that without the knowledge and experience I gained with Be Your Own Boss,”
The eight-week programme starts on Monday 6th October and runs until Thursday 27th November. Sessions will take place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and vary from 30 minutes to two hours. Participants can expect hands-on practical workshop sessions and talks from guest mentors.
Applications to join the programme are now open. Anyone wanting to find out more about what’s involved and to enquire about applying for the programme can arrange an informal chat with our friendly team by emailing [email protected]