Enterprising Action

Enterprising Action
09/07/2006 andy

Groundswell Timeline /2006

This training manual was part of a project which encouraged homeless individuals to utilise entrepreneurial skills in their journey out of homelessness. Mike Seal worked with Peer presenters who were trained to NVQ level to deliver this innovative initiative to groups and individuals in settings across the UK such as Big Issue Vendor meetings, day centres and other spaces.

This project presented empowering solutions to homelessness drawing upon the transferable skills of surviving on the street to surviving and thriving in business. It linked funders such as UNLTD and trusts with aspiring entrepreneurs.

Enterprising Solutions was an evolution of the Grant Awards Scheme and was ground-breaking because it was pro-active in engaging with homeless populations and creating an environment for people to develop their enterprising ideas. This was a fore-runner to an approach which has been adopted more widely in the sector.

“The programme was typically Groundswell and was creatively put together. The training to do the presentations was held in far flung Wales and the venues for the events were picked for a quirky dynamic feel. One was held on a boat on the Thames. They were energetic events where people felt their ideas had value and potential.”
Spike Hudson