Helen Lawson
An online business course with a reputation for changing lives will be working its magic again in July.
The Rebel School offers free, straightforward advice to would-be entrepreneurs who are looking to set up in business on their own, often by turning a hobby into a career.
“We give people the information, encouragement and practical help they need to make money out of something they love,” explained Chief Executive Officer Henry Nicholson. “We focus on inspiration, not rules and red tape.”
Above all, Rebel’s experienced and approachable presenters encourage people not to get into debt but to start simply. “You don’t need a complicated business plan and you certainly don’t need a big bank loan,” said Henry.
The Rebel School’s approach has proved to be so successful in the past that courses are free, with the costs picked up by local councils keen to help their residents into a satisfying and rewarding business.
The next course, which runs from 10 to 21 July, is the latest in a series that has been fully funded by Kent County Council, which has seen scores of residents set up their own enterprise after learning about the Rebel School approach.
Strategic Programme Manager Susan Berdo commented: “It is so refreshing working with the Rebel School. The world of business can feel impenetrable and overwhelming, but the team is so encouraging and offers everything in a one-stop-shop for someone to go from expressing an initial idea to then being confident enough to use all the accessible advice and support provided to make it a reality.
“They make things happen and it truly is life changing.”
Helen Lawson would second that. A colleague recommended the Rebel School to her with the words: “It will change your life” – and it turned out to be true.
Helen, who lives in Chatham, had already dabbled in running her own business as a trainer, but decided to go back to full-time work as it was, in her words, “either that or finding a way of tripling my income from the business.”
It turned out to be a smart move, but for an unexpected reason. “The job didn’t work out, but between resigning and leaving, my colleague suggested I join the Rebel course – and I’ve not looked back since,” she explained.
“It really did change my life. It gave me the kick up the backside I needed, and I have since grown my business, Wellbeing Training Solutions, significantly. I have made good contacts with public health providers locally and I run a range of corporate courses covering a broad range of topics including wellbeing, coping and essential skills.”
So far this year Rebel School courses across Kent have attracted 283 attendees, with many of them inspired, like Helen, to take the plunge and set out on their own.
While the next course is online and open to anyone across Kent, it is aimed particularly at people living in the Canterbury, Ashford and Swale areas.
To sign up, visit https://therebelschool.com/kent/