You have a starring role in the government’s new skills drive 🫵 £5,000 grants up for grabs 💰

Small businesses have a starring role in the government’s new skill drive

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It’s been one heck of a ride since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister ten days ago. Enterprise Nation has already been called to a virtual meeting at No 10 North to discuss how entrepreneurs can help deliver his vision for national prosperity.

Small firms loom large in plans that take inspiration from the German ‘duales Ausbildungssystem’ or ‘dual system’ where young people take an apprenticeship with local businesses and study at local vocational colleges. The influx of trained young people keeps businesses at the cutting edge of technology, dramatically cutting recruitment costs and boosting resilience. What we’re seeing is a clear change of style and a new collective mission: connecting schools, colleges and local businesses to give young people better pathways into work. We’re here for it.

And we’ve met a young entrepreneur who shows exactly what that could look like. Suleymaan Khan is 17 and runs a robotics side hustle while completing an apprenticeship with a Birmingham-based global robotics giant - an opportunity he partly secured through his business. It’s why we believe youth entrepreneurship should be part of the Youth Guarantee package. Check out our new Next Gen founders hub.

Finally, if you’ve ever been undercut by someone you suspect isn’t paying their dues, we look at the government’s crackdown on tax dodgers and its plans to support pubs.

Cheers!

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📣 Ready to turn ambition into action? 
 
Whether you're launching a small business, starting a side hustle, learning a new skill or looking for inspiration, The Opportunity Hub is providing the tools, advice and connections you need. Join Vodafone on Thursday 6th August at The Stables, Covent Garden with free talks from some inspirational figures.

🎧 New podcast episode: Charlie Duckworth on scaling up a not-for-profit sauna movement

📧 Join the remaining Marketing Mondays sessions from Enterprise Nation and Constant Contact, designed to help you get better results from email marketing

📱 Join our policy WhatsApp group to discuss consultations, regulations, government updates, and opportunities that affect UK businesses. Your voice matters.

🏆 Share your latest wins with us and we’ll feature you on our social channels

🚀 Free business support for young founders aged 18 to 24 - Check out the Next Gen founders hub