Help is at hand!

A new scheme, called the Equity Entrepreneur Programme, offering one-day practical workshops that provide an understanding of investing in unquoted smaller companies was launched in January. The scheme is a not-for-profit community interest company established by a public/private partnership including Beer & Partners, the UK’s largest business angel network, Henley Management College and Finance South East and it caters for novice investors and their intermediaries, as well as entrepreneurs seeking business expansion funds. Topics covered include the personal tax benefits of unquoted investments, the potential risks & rewards, due diligence and exits.

Graduates of the workshops will be invited to join an investor club where they can try ‘virtual investing’ or an active business angel syndicate with mentor investors. Once ready to invest as individuals, members will be introduced to the combined deal flow from Beer & Partners, the Thames Valley Investment Network and the South East Capital Alliance.

Initially focusing on the South East region of the UK, the Equity Entrepreneur Programme will roll out workshops and associated events throughout 2006. For more details www.equity-entrepreneur.co.uk