Research and Development

The Development Partnership Euro Enterprise Evolutions was launched in July 2005; it consisted of 7 partners from organisations representing the voluntary, charity and private sector:

Breathing Space (Lead partner)
WALKWAYS
TFE subsequently Simulacra Ltd
CrISP.UK.NET
Black Country SBS Ltd (Business Link)
Research House
WEBA (partner for one year only)

The partnership fitted into Theme C of the ESF Community Initiative with a focus on Entrepreneurship.  Its aim was:

To develop a portfolio of tools, resources and support mechanisms that help disadvantaged people in the Black Country overcome educational, psychological, cultural and disability barriers preventing them from considering enterprise as a route out of exclusion, benefits and re-offending.

Research revealed that existing enterprise support in the Black Country tended to focus on people with a reasonably good educational level and financial status that deters other disadvantaged groups from considering enterprise.  The Euro Enterprise Evolutions (EEE) DP was to concentrate on opening business creation possibilities up for all and, in particular, for those with basic skills needs, dyslexia, low self esteem, psychological, educational, cultural and disability barriers.  The partnership brought together considerable and diverse expertise of working with the target groups.

Tools/Toolkits Developed

• Enterprise Pod (E-Pod)  Developed initially to make it possible for people with range of disabilities to explore the possibilities of self employment and to go on to produce a simple business plan should they so wish.  The idea was that questions would be simply worded and financial elements made ‘understandable’, avoiding jargon; presentation such as choice of font and colours would be dyslexia user sensitive. The thinking behind the kiosk system was that it could incorporate a Braille keyboard, be operated via touchscreen, have audio option and be wheelchair accessible. The vision was that kiosks could be sited in public places such as libraries and job centres.  The system is also available on-line.

NOTE:  Organisations such as the British Dyslexia Association were involved at the outset of the project and consultation took place with Dr Ian Smythe in order to better understand problems encountered by people with dyslexia and to explore and test means of overcoming this by appropriate layout, font type, colour etc.  Icons on the E-Pod were incorporated to facilitate its use by those with dyslexia. 

• E-coaching and mentoring system and publications (Trainer Manual, Learner Manual and CD Rom) Programme developed to help develop skills and approach in the field of one-to-one helping whether via traditional face-to-face coaching/mentoring or by alternative methods such as e-coaching.  The Trainer Manual enables a trainer to deliver the OCN accredited course (6 learning credits at Level 3).  Programme also intended to recruit local experienced business people willing to devote time to provide coaching/mentoring support to new business start-ups.

• Reading, Writing and Maths for Self Employment Toolkit (Manual and Workbook.  Note: Prototype audio CD Rom also produced).  Developed to help people with basic skills needs produce a simple business plan; uses plain language and step by step approach with dyslexia friendly layout.  Can be used by an individual working alone, by business support advisors or in training situations (business training or skills for life training).
 
• 7 C’s for Women into Business  Self help manual developed to encourage women to explore the possibility of enterprise as an option (fewer women opt for self employment than men). Suitable for use by an individual or in workshops as a ‘short-course’ tool as part of enterprise training.

• Business Administration Toolkit  CD Rom gives step by step guidance for people with basic skills needs covering elements of business such as writing cheques, producing invoices, paying in slips, dealing with petty cash, chasing up payments.  Suitable for use by individuals or groups (business training, skills for life training)

• Creative Enterprise Awareness Programme    Developed primarily to give women the opportunity to explore enterprise via a creative mock business (used photography, card making).  Suitable as a short course programme of workshops could be integrated into business training.  No reason why it could not be used by men as well as women with some adaptation!

Transnational Partnership

This involved working with partners in France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.  The common aim was to work towards overcoming barriers that prevent people looking at enterprise as an option.  The element that mostly involved the EEE DP was the joint development of a European E-Pod.  It was envisaged that this would be an on line system and each country would supply a translation.  This remains at the development stage and no further funding is currently available.
A joint publication on Diversity was produced with contributions from all partners.