CAREER PURSUIT 2021

RESOURCES 68 SUPPORTING THE UNSUNG HERO upporting the Unsung Hero (SUH) is so much more than a training course. Its delegate network is unique, comprised completely of entrepreneurs from the Armed Forces community. Now in its eighth year, this FREE business training programme delivered in- person at MOD bases throughout the UK and overseas and online has been in high demand from Armed Forces families, veterans, and reservists, helping them realise their ambition to start up and develop a business. SUH comprises four stages: Stage 1, an introduction to self- employment webinar; Stage 2, a four-day business start-up training course; Stage 3, ten months business mentoring; and finally, Stage 4, ‘Thinking Better For Success’, which is for businesses that have been trading between 18 months and three years. SUH stages 1 to 3 are delivered FREE to service families and continue to grow in popularity, having already been attended by more than 1,000 delegates at MOD bases in the UK and overseas in British Forces Germany, Belgium, Italy, Cyprus, and online. Julie George, founder of The Medal Box Company, says: “The first few years, all of my business profits had gone back into growing the business. Developing my new woodworking shop and buying the industrial machines needed to do this doesn’t come cheaply. At times I have despaired. Sarah has been truly amazing; she has mentored me over the last year, encouraged me to increase my prices to cover my time and eight years of sheer, hard graft, and I’m delighted. For the first time, I’m actually seeing a little profit this year. I was also given the fabulous opportunity to attend the ‘Start-up to Sustainability’ course with the wonderful Isabel Knight. To learn and look deep within ourselves to realise our hopes, dreams, and ambitions. We brainstormed, set goals, and established steps to get there. Again, I met some amazing people. We definitely bonded together, made fabulous memories, shared stories, lots of laughs, tears and triumphs, which enabled us to fly high and achieve what seemed like the impossible.” ABOUT SUPPORTING THE UNSUNG HERO SUH is a four-stage business start-up programme developed specifically for Armed Forces families, to provide themwith the transferable skills and support required to start and maintain a business − enabling families to become more financially stable and help them to develop a sustainable career. The course is designed to be as informative, fun, and relaxed as possible and to provide encouragement throughout the programme. This business training and mentoring support programme is open to spouses and adult dependants of serving, veteran, and reserve Armed Forces personnel. Applications from veterans and reservists are SupportingtheUnsungHero, the award-winning business start-up programme from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, is helping members of the Armed Forces community turn bright ideas into successful businesses. S