By Milton Tella
Dragons’ Den star Levi Roots is teaming up with Jobcentre Plus to encourage jobseekers to consider setting up their own businesses with the help of the Government’s New Enterprise Allowance scheme.
Levi, who has gone from strength to strength since successfully securing investment in his Reggae Reggae Sauce business on the BBC TV show, has been engaged in setting up business clubs in the Brixton area aimed at school and college students between the ages of 11 -18, where he can pass on the benefit of his knowledge. He is particularly interested in creating greater reach in ethnic minority communities.
Speaking to African Voice at the launch of the new government initiative, Levi said, “When l set up my business, l had the idea but the right support that is vital was missing. The new New Enterprise Allowance provides experienced business mentors plus financial support, so new enterprenuers are not alone”.
Levi is calling on jobseekers to tap into their entrepreneurial side and consider setting up their own business. He said: “Being your own boss is great. It can be really hard work, but it’s well worth it, so I’d encourage jobseekers to ask their Jobcentre Plus advisor about the New Enterprise Allowance. It’s a great scheme that offers expert mentoring and cash to support you while you’re starting up.”
At the flag off ceremony in the Camberwell area of London were a couple of success stories that have been on the scheme.
Dean Clarke is just one of the people to have already benefited from the scheme, and when Levi met Dean he was so impressed by his story that he agreed to be his business mentor.
Dean, a budding entrepreneur from Brixton, had always dreamed about starting his own business. But as a young man with no business experience, he wasn’t sure where to start. Dean spoke to his Jobcentre advisor, who told him about the New Enterprise Allowance. In February this year Dean launched ‘r3v3r3nt’, a business selling custom designed skateboards and clothing. He has global ambitions for the brand.
Minister for Employment Mark Hoban said: “Many people want to look after themselves and their families by starting their own business. We have helped nearly 20,000 budding entrepreneurs to do just that through the New Enterprise Allowance. I want to see many more unemployed people start a business of their own.”
