Empowering the next generation

Natasha Fisher, VCP Manager at LDC dives into her inspiring experience of hosting interactive workshops for young entrepreneurs as part of LDC’s partnership with The King’s Trust and its support and funding for the Enterprise programme.

1. How did you/your organisation get involved with The King’s Trust and Enterprise?

LDC has partnered with The King’s Trust since 2019, and through our support of its Enterprise programme, have so far been able to help over 4,400 young people from a diverse range of backgrounds to start, sustain and grow their own business. Having worked with a range of businesses myself, it was a natural fit to help to encourage the next generation of success.

2. How did you find the experience of preparing for your workshop?

Preparing for the workshop was a seamless experience thanks to the support of the many great people making these sessions happen. I was given clear guidance on what level to pitch the material, given plenty of time to fit the content around my work schedule and lots of notice prior to booking the workshops. The King’s Trust also provides suitable feedback so no work is wasted, and you can flex your skills to support each attendee.

3. How did you find the experience of working with Young People at your workshop?

It’s been a very inspiring journey for me so far. Every attendee has an interesting business to reflect on in the sessions and we can quickly see the impact of the content. This provokes lots of questions and I attempt to make my sessions interactive to encourage adoption of the frameworks. The dialogue in the workshops help bring the session to life and make it fun on both sides.

4. Why do you think it’s important for young people to work with colleagues at organisations like yours?

Running a business and bringing a vision to life can be both rewarding and challenging. Working with colleagues at organisations like LDC helps to give young people tools to handle the challenges, but also provides support from people with a range of experiences. The goal is to support and inspire the young entrepreneurs through their growth journey.

5. You have been involved with multiple workshops with the King’s Trust- what makes you want to keep getting involved with us?

No two workshops are the same. In each session we have spent time discussing different areas business growth, and I have really enjoyed hearing about what’s happening with the young people’s businesses. I look forward to the workshops.

6. How do you feel you benefit from being involved with us?

I use a totally different part of my brain to my usual day to day which is a great way to reengage with what you love. It’s exciting to break down concepts, build them up and approach them differently to resonate with the different attendees.

7. What was the highlight of the workshops?

The highlight of the workshops is normally the first ice breaker when the dynamic shifts from learning about a static concept on a page to seeing the click as the young people start connecting it to their experience and business. It’s a good feeling to know the concept has really landed.

8. What would you say to others considering supporting Young Entrepreneurs on Enterprise?

It’s great to get involved in the Enterprise programme. It’s a stimulating and rewarding experience. Giving up a small amount of your time to make a big impact is so worth it.

9. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about your experience?

I hope many more young people benefit from these sessions and I look forward to seeing their success.