Press Release
The Co-Dalston launches The Virtual Hackney Entrepreneurship Program
4-day Hackney Entrepreneurship Virtual Program links budding entrepreneurs and small business owners with global business experts
The program aims to empower entrepreneurs to think both locally and globally as they develop and digitize their business ideas
Applications can be submitted to The Co- Dalston until 21st August 2020
Hackney, London, 10th August: The Co- Dalston - a co-working space and small business incubator located in Dalston is launching The Virtual Hackney Entrepreneurship Program. Taking place 24-27 August 2020, this virtual four-day workshop brings together 20 start-ups and solopreneurs from both their local and global community, arming them with the skills needed to launch their concepts or develop their existing business for a post COVID era.
Led by both local mentors and business leaders, the program covers aspects of entrepreneurship that include: developing your idea and concept; creating a brand identity; market testing your product or service; growing your funding sustainably; sales, pitching and public speaking skills; as well as maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
According to Shahzad Bhatti, Founder and Owner of The Co-Dalston, organizers of the program, while the pandemic threw much of the established business world into a tailspin, it created new opportunities for start-ups and entrepreneurs: “2020 has been a year of great upheaval from a business point of view, but with that, also comes some great opportunities for those who have already started a small business, or for those who have been thinking about entering the entrepreneurial world. The pandemic has laid bare ideas, ways of working and businesses that weren’t working which has in turn, highlighted where the gaps lie. Our goal is to help individuals and start-ups explore those gaps and turn their ideas on how to fill them into a viable and profitable business.”
A Proven Track Record
The 2020 Program follows a successful inaugural program in August 2019 that saw 10 entrepreneurs travel to The Co- Dalston for 5 days of mentorship, development, and networking. Of the 10 participants in 2019, 7 have successfully launched businesses. Among them are Hair Loving, a natural hair hydration oil that promotes growth, and Hotflash Inc, a weekly newsletter all about the menopause transition for women and men.
For Hair Loving’s Founder, Nadia Hussain, the 2019 program helped her channel her passion for her idea into a workable business model: “The 2019 program really helped me focus my enthusiasm for Hair Loving into business areas that have been, and will continue to be vital to our success: technology, social media and customer service. The in-depth sessions on e-commerce, website building and different business models were excellent, as was the experience of being with like-minded people and being inspired by their own passions, business ideas, plans and models.”
Similarly, for 2019 Program Alum, Anne Marie McQueen, Founder of Hotflash Inc, it was important to work with mentors on turning her idea into an organized vision: “Last year’s summer program forced me to sit down and really think about what it was I wanted to do, to organize all those ideas and dreams I had shifting around my head. It's very easy to endlessly talk about something with your friends and people you meet; they will often nod and encourage you. But that has nothing to do with the reality of actually executing something, and trying to monetize it, something that the program addressed.”
Aspiring entrepreneurs can apply to be part of the 2020 London Entrepreneurship Virtual Program program by uploading a brief on their business idea or current skills at hackney.theco.me by 21st August 2020.
The Co- Dalston regularly assists both aspiring and established entrepreneurs through their bright and vibrant co-working spaces, educational seminars and programs and special events.
For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:
Helena Baes
02076842972
The Co- Dalston is a community-driven coworking space and incubator for start-ups and small businesses located in Dalston, Hackney. The incubator offers both online and offline programs with a focus on food, retail and tech-based businesses. With its sister coworking space in Dubai, the programs not only help build sustainable local businesses in East London but also accelerate international growth with its global support network.
© Liana Technologies