Barnet Council is extending its Business Start-Up Support Programme, following a successful initial phase that has supported over 200 Barnet entrepreneurs and created 30 new jobs across the borough, nearly doubling its initial target.
Delivered by Wenta and fully funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme is designed to support new and aspiring entrepreneurs across Barnet by offering free, one-to-one advice, CPD-accredited training and practical resources to help them turn their business idea into a reality.
The first phase delivered nearly 500 hours of tailored support alongside a wide range of training sessions covering essential business skills, including marketing, finance, building a website, registration, tax and self-assessment, business planning and social media. The programme also offered an eight-week placement within Wenta’s marketing team.
Building on these results, the second phase of the programme will expand its support for local entrepreneurs and social enterprises with particular focus on women in business, people with disabilities, young people and harder to reach sections of the community, whether they are planning, starting or scaling up.
Jingyi Yu, International Ambassador, Trinax, said: “Through the Barnet Start-Up programme I had tailored business advice sessions with Wenta, which I found to be truly resourceful. I received not only business advice but also practical insights and an action plan that gave me real clarity on our next steps. That guidance has been invaluable as we plan our expansion into the European market. The support has helped us stay grounded in strategy while continuing to dream big - just as we always say: ‘Dream like Artists; Think like Engineers."
Cllr Ernest Ambe, Barnet’s Small Business Champion, said: “Barnet is proud to be a place where entrepreneurial dreams can take root and thrive. The success of the Business Start-Up Support Programme shows what’s possible when we invest in our residents’ ambition—over 200 entrepreneurs supported, and 30 new jobs created in just the first phase. This is more than a programme; it’s a catalyst for growth, innovation, and opportunity across our borough. Supporting local entrepreneurs is a top priority, and the next phase will go even further to empower women, young people, and underrepresented communities to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. We’re building a stronger, more dynamic Barnet—one business at a time.”
Michael Martin, Head of Wenta Action Zero and Advice Team, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see our business advice service not only meet but exceed its targets. This success reflects the real demand for expert, practical support and the tangible impact our guidance is having on local entrepreneurs and small businesses.”
For more information or to register for the programme, visit https://www.barnet.gov.uk/business/starting-your-business/join-barnets-start-programme or email: info@wenta.co.uk.