Entrepreneurship is getting used as a device for rehabilitation at HMP Chelmsford, the place inmates approaching launch have taken half in a sensible enterprise start-up workshop delivered by NEEB Hyperlink.
The session centered on serving to individuals see self-employment as a sensible and constructive route again into society, equipping them with the arrogance, information and sensible abilities wanted to start out and run a small enterprise after launch.
Designed to be accessible and hands-on, the workshop lined the core constructing blocks of entrepreneurship, together with growing a enterprise thought, selecting the best enterprise construction, understanding clients and pricing, fundamental advertising and marketing ideas, and the place to entry free assist, mentoring and funding.
Delivered by Sarah Brockwell as a part of the NEEB Hyperlink programme, the session additionally highlighted the in depth vary of totally funded assist out there to aspiring entrepreneurs throughout North Essex. This contains entry to mentors, co-working areas, networking alternatives, digital instruments and grant funding.
Contributors had been launched to sensible, trendy enterprise assets such because the NEEB App, free enterprise planning instruments, advertising and marketing platforms like Canva, and AI instruments together with ChatGPT, serving to to demystify expertise and present how digital instruments can assist small companies from day one.
Suggestions from inmates was overwhelmingly constructive, with each participant saying they’d suggest the workshop to others. One attendee described it as “very insightful and informative”, notably praising the steering round charities and CICs, funding choices, mentoring and the vary of instruments out there to assist new ventures.
Workers at HMP Chelmsford additionally welcomed the initiative, praising its relevance and accessibility, and have invited the NEEB Hyperlink group to return in February to ship a follow-up workshop centered particularly on self-employment.
Councillor Ivan Henderson, chairman of the North Essex Financial Board, stated the initiative mirrored a wider dedication to inclusive progress and alternative.
“The North Essex Financial Board is dedicated to inclusive progress and creating alternatives for everybody in our communities,” he stated. “Supporting rehabilitation by means of enterprise is a strong approach to assist people construct sustainable futures and contribute positively to society.”
NEEB Hyperlink runs till 31 March 2026 and is an initiative of the North Essex Financial Board, totally funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Designed and delivered by The Consortium (East) Ltd, the programme gives free networking occasions, workshops and assets to assist folks begin and develop companies throughout Chelmsford, Braintree, Colchester, Epping Forest and Maldon.
By delivering focused workshops in settings reminiscent of HMP Chelmsford, NEEB Hyperlink continues to exhibit how enterprise assist can play a significant position in rehabilitation, social mobility and long-term financial participation.
