FIRST - Business Skills for Everyone

📣 New Funding Opportunity for North East Community Groups

Got an idea for a community event? We’d love to hear it.

At FIRST, we’ve launched a new Community Micro Grant Scheme, offering £250 micro-grants to charities and grassroots groups across the to bring people together and create positive local impact.

Our micro-grants can support activities such as:

☕️ Community coffee mornings

🧵 Workshops and skills sessions

🧘‍♀️ Wellbeing activities

🎈 Celebration events

We’ve kept the process simple and inclusive, with a short application and support from our team. We’ll also help promote your event and may even come along on the day.

👉 Open to North East organisations who haven’t yet partnered with FIRST and are planning an activity for adults.

🔗 Find out more about what inspired the grant scheme and apply here: youarefirst.co.uk/news/article/community-event-grants

Important conversation happening in the North East 👇

Money keeps coming up when talking about the barriers neurodivergent entrepreneurs face - not because of ability, but because systems aren’t built for different ways of thinking.

Money Talks is creating space for honest conversations around finance, confidence, and access to support.
📍 Newcastle
📅 11th May 2026
🎟️ Free
🔗Get your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-unmasked-money-talks-tickets-1986549573250

Today were at the Sunderland Jobs Fair 👀

📍 Stadium of Light, Monkwearmouth
⏰ 10:00am to 1:00pm

Come and find us at the Jobs Fair by the Bridge to learn more about how we could support you into education, employment and self-employment.

Whether you’re exploring your next step, thinking about starting a business, or just want a chat about your options - we’re here for it.

Don't have time for a chat today? Contact us via the link below...
https://forms.monday.com/forms/4258b4c29fb1fb7543e81f37d8a6441e?r=use1

Ready to explore self-employment or boost your courage in business?

Our Level One Business course is FREE, accredited, and available online or in person – whatever works best for you.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ Develop essential enterprise skills
✅ Explore the risks and rewards of starting a business
✅ Build your confidence and connect with like-minded people
✅ Get clear on your goals and pitch your business idea
✅ Gain a recognised accreditation

Perfect for anyone curious about entrepreneurship or wanting to take the first step into business.

📲 Sign up now and start something amazing: https://forms.monday.com/forms/4258b4c29fb1fb7543e81f37d8a6441e?r=use1

✨ Looking for inspiration, connection and a chance to be part of something uplifting? Shining Bright is an opportunity to come together, learn and celebrate community.

Find out more and book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shining-bright-tickets-1984630943577

✨ Level Two Business Course
Free | Accredited | Online or In Person

✔️ Builds courage to take the next step in business
✔️ Learn how to plan and prepare for starting up
✔️ Understand the challenges and risks of running a business
✔️ Develop marketing and sales skills to attract customers
✔️ Build strong business relationships and networks
✔️ Improve your negotiation skills
✔️ Gain a nationally recognised enterprise qualification

Register your interest here: https://ow.ly/LxyC50VSnXc

Happy Easter from FIRST 🐣

Here’s to new beginnings, fresh ideas and exciting opportunities ahead.

To find out more about FIRST, head to our website: www.youarefirst.co.uk

✨ Level Two Business Course
Free | Accredited | Online or In Person

✔️ Builds courage to take the next step in business
✔️ Learn how to plan and prepare for starting up
✔️ Understand the challenges and risks of running a business
✔️ Develop marketing and sales skills to attract customers
✔️ Build strong business relationships and networks
✔️ Improve your negotiation skills
✔️ Gain a nationally recognised enterprise qualification

Register your interest here: https://ow.ly/nhxV50Y7BaJ

Ready to explore self-employment or boost your courage in business?

Our Level One Business course is FREE, accredited, and available online or in person – whatever works best for you.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ Develop essential enterprise skills
✅ Explore the risks and rewards of starting a business
✅ Build your confidence and connect with like-minded people
✅ Get clear on your goals and pitch your business idea
✅ Gain a recognised accreditation

Perfect for anyone curious about entrepreneurship or wanting to take the first step into business.

📲 Sign up now and start something amazing: https://ow.ly/MhyU50VSn9y

✨ Free Business Taster Course
Learn in your own time | Flexible Start

✔️ Access three short, practical workshops:
• Sharing Your Story – Pitching and Public Speaking
• Testing Your Ideas – Market Research
• Building Your Contacts – Networking with Courage
✔️ Learn at your own pace – Start anytime
✔️ Completely free and exclusive to FIRST learners
✔️ Build enterprise skills and boost your confidence
✔️ Ideal first step before starting a business or applying for jobs
✔️ Includes a 1:1 review call and a certificate of completion - Certified by FIRST founder, Charlotte Windebank

Learn more: https://ow.ly/I6sK50WwJNu