Wenta pioneers innovative support for start-ups (From Watford Observer)

Wenta pioneers innovative support for start-ups

8:50am Friday 7th January 2011 in Business News

The innovative business support service My Incubator has marked its first anniversary by scooping a national award for its successful mentoring of start-ups and small firms.

My Incubator was launched by Watford-based Wenta, the local Enterprise Agency for Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, to offer pre-start and start-up businesses a modern facility to base their business where they would receive intensive support from highly skilled business advisors.

One year later My Incubator has won an award for innovation from the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA).

Wenta opened its first My Incubator facility in Stevenage in November 2009 and its second in Luton in June 2010 and more are planned.

Chris Pichon, Chief Executive of Wenta, said: “We are offering the next generation of entrepreneurs the support they need to turn their business dream into a reality.

“As well as first class business centre facilities, our expert advisors are constantly on hand to offer much needed guidance, support and training through those challenging early months.”

My Incubator is free of charge for successful applicants for the first three months while they develop their idea, work on their business plan with an advisor and get their business started.

Chris added: “The business support network is undergoing fundamental change across the UK and this will continue throughout next year.

“In such uncertain times My Incubator provides a much needed beacon of light for start ups who are working hard to make their venture a success but need expert, ongoing, guidance on the best way forward.”

In addition to its focus on innovation through My Incubator, Wenta also provides business advisory services, property management and education and schools training.

Wenta aims to roll out the My Incubator model to other parts of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire throughout 2011. Each one will form part of a strategic support network providing access to multiple business advisors across the region.

Chris concluded: “We want to ensure that, irrespective of where the start up is based, they will still have access to the most targeted advice and guidance available which will significantly increase their chance of long term success.”