Twelve budding Watford entrepreneurs have been presented with certificates after completing a business training course.

Watford Community Housing Trust in conjunction with Enterprise Cube gave the awards for the 13-week free Strive course, during which the entrepreneurs delivered business pitches to a judging panel of Tina Barnard and Euan Barr, from the trust, Kate Jenkins, manager of Watford Cycle Hub, and Mick Dobson, My Incubator Manager for Wenta Watford.

Strive participant Karen Finch, of Finch’s Emporium, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, it was extremely helpful and good fun. It was great to meet people on the course and the help and support the organisation gives you isn’t just for the course but ongoing.”

The judges were very impressed with Strive participant, Joy Arrindell, and her domiciliary care agency, J R & Sons Care Service, and offered her £500 to kick-start her business.

Sarah Whitfield, of Sarah’s Custom Gifts, also impressed the judges with her business idea and was offered £350 to start funding the project.

Paul Funnell, director of Enterprise Cube, said: “Starting a business is all about taking steps, it doesn’t start overnight. Today you’ve taken a big step in achieving your goals. Keep taking those steps and keep the momentum.”

Euan Barr, head of New Business at Watford Community Housing Trust, said: “It’s been a pleasure working alongside Enterprise Cube to help these innovative Watford residents make their dreams a reality.”

He added: “With the completion of this entrepreneurial scheme, these individuals are now more equipped with the skills needed to turn that hobby into a business and prosper in their local neighbourhood- another step closer to our goal of making our communities, healthier, wealthier and friendlier. We wish all of our participants’ success with their business ventures.”