What are Flying Start Workshops?

Whether you’ve a side hustle idea, want to turn a hobby into an income or you’re ready to go into full-time self-employment, Flying Start is here to help you take that first step – with confidence.

Brought to you by the North East BIC, Flying Start is a monthly series of five FREE live, online workshops, designed for people in Sunderland who are curious about becoming their own boss.

We cover all the business basics in a supportive environment where you’ll meet others on the same journey and start building your business know-how and self-belief you need to make your ideas happen.

Workshop one:How to start your own business

Thinking about working for yourself but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone – and you’re in the right place.

This first workshop in the Flying Start series is designed to give you a clear, realistic introduction to what being your own boss actually involves. It’s a relaxed session where you’ll explore the motivations, the fears, and the practical considerations of starting a business.

You’ll also learn how to identify if your idea is viable, what kind of support is available, and how to take your next step – even if you’re not sure what that looks like yet.

What you’ll learn

By the end of the workshop, you’ll know:

Whether self-employment is the right fit for you
How to explore your idea and bring it to life
What’s involved in starting a business – the good and the challenging
Basics of budgeting, start-up costs and legal structures
How to run a business from home
How to use AI tools as a smart assistant for your early business tasks

No jargon. No pressure. Just honest advice, friendly support, and everything you need to get things off to a successful start.

Who it’s for

This event is perfect for:

People living in the Sunderland Local Authority Area
Those with a business idea or curiosity about self-employment
Anyone who hasn’t registered as self-employed with HMRC
Learners who like to get answers to questions there and then

You’ll be supported throughout by one of our experienced and friendly business advisers, who’ve all run their own businesses and know the reality of self-employment.

Ongoing Support

After learning the business basics from the Flying Start workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to book a free one-to-one session with a business adviser to dive deeper into your business idea and build a plan that suits your goals and circumstances. This is your gateway to everything else the BIC offers to help businesses get off the ground and grow.

You’ll also unlock free access to 44 Smarta online learning modules to explore topics including digital marketing, intellectual property, health and safety, and more. Dip in and out at your own pace to go deeper into topics that interest you most.

Can’t make the date?

It’s a rolling programme – start at the beginning and follow the full series, or pick up missed sessions next month. If you prefer to learn in your own time online, Smarta’s eLearning might be what you’re looking for. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the format that fits.

Flying Start Workshops: How to start your own business