Janine GriffithsProduced in partnership with Trust Leeds to share information about a local opportunity.
Residents across the Leeds area have a new opportunity to explore self-employment with Trust Leeds.
Trust Leeds is a Leeds-based charity that helps people build confidence, financial independence and self-employment opportunities through peer support, enterprise programmes and ethical micro-finance.
It is launching a free online workshop series called ‘The Be Your Own Boss’ course consisting of 12 weekly sessions. These sessions run on Zoom every Wednesday from 11am to 1.30pm.
The program starts on Wednesday 16th September 2026. It finishes on Wednesday 16th December 2026.
Celebrating its sixth year, the programme returns with its 12th course, designed to support local people from the earliest idea through to starting a business. It is particularly good for individuals who are unemployed, under-employed, or not currently working.
Liza Kellett, CEO of Trust Leeds, said: “Be Your Own Boss is an online 12-week programme specifically designed to help people who are long-term unemployed and want to consider setting up on their own. It’s great to be part of a group of people who are all on the same boat and developing their own enterprising ideas, and really helps to build your confidence, business skills and motivation.”
Friendly and expert business support coaches deliver the workshops. They focus on getting the basics sorted. The coaches help participants put a straightforward plan in place.
The sessions feature local Leeds people running their own kitchen-table businesses. Participants learn practical tools to make a go of their enterprise.
The course covers ideas ranging from bakers and carpenters to photographers and traders. Participants can also form an ongoing self-reliant group. This lets members support each other and grow together long after the course ends.
The program is supported by Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Interested residents can sign up using a QR code. They can also contact Nikki on 07830 251138 or email nicola2023trustleeds@gmail.com.
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