A WELLINGTON business is among eight start-up enterprises which have been given a helping hand from Somerset Council’s innovative Launch Pad programme.

Each of the businesses received a wide range of fully-funded help to get them ready to move to the next level.

The 10-week programme included workshops, masterclasses, and one-to-one mentoring tailored to a business’s individual needs and delivered by professionals, entrepreneurs, and experts from industry.

Among them was former primary school sports and educational visits co-ordinator Joe Andrews, who has launched Absolute Education, a web application which supports schools in tracking, monitoring, and affecting change through capturing student enrichment.

Cllr Ros Wyke (left) with some of the Somerset businesses helped by Launch Pad.
Cllr Ros Wyke (left) with some of the Somerset businesses helped by Launch Pad. (Somerset Council)

Mr Andrews said: “Being part of the Somerset Launch Pad programme has been extremely valuable.

“The variety of workshops have helped me to gain a clearer picture of my business plan and allowed me to set some smart goals.

“I feel positive moving forward and am excited about the future of the company.”

A key to the success of the Launch Pad programme was the collaboration between businesses as they worked together over the months to achieve their entrepreneurial goals.

Business ideas have included an initiative aimed at strengthening communities by gardening in shared gardens, a dance academy, a pop-up online pet shop, and the launch of spirit-based drinks which have been inspired by historic recipes.

Workshops held during the 10-week focussed on core business fundamentals, from creating a business plan to devising a marketing strategy and implementing sustainability goals.

Somerset executive Cllr Ros Wyke said: “It was inspirational to meet these motivated individuals and hear all about their businesses.

“From speaking to everybody involved, the Launch Pad programme has clearly given them the knowledge, skills, and confidence to progress their business ideas.

“This programme aligns with our priority of creating a flourishing and resilient Somerset and I will follow with interest to see how the businesses grow and thrive.”