Start your own business

REDA is committed to help local people take the first steps to working for themselves, and developing new and existing businesses. As part of this work we are working with local partners to offer programmes and advice sessions:

Drop-in Information Sessions
Come along to one of our FREE drop-in sessions with Idea Fishing Associates – running on Thursday mornings in your local community. No need to book, no detailed questions, just a chat about what’s involved in working for yourself. You decide what to do next.

The next sessions will be held at Battle Library between 11am - 1 pm on Thursdays (18 & 25 April and 9 May). Following that, you'll find us at Caversham Library between 1pm - 3pm (16 & 23 May and 6 & 13 June). You’ll get real, honest advice and signposting to a range of training and support - including new self-employment programmes. 

Download the Want to Work For Yourself leaflet>>>

Other self-employment and start-up support in Reading:

• Abbey Rotary Club LAUNCH READING
  The next Launch Reading programme will begin in May.  This in person evening class runs for 8 weeks in The Oracle, in central Reading. It’s FREE and suitable for anyone interested in self employment and working for themselves, with a business idea. Find out more and register at www.launchreading.org. This is the third course being run under the Launch banner, sponsored by REDA which provides small start-up grants to graduates of the course. Ove the last year 21 grants have been given out and 28 small businesses have been created by local people, with Rotary’s help.  
• Berkshire Growth Hub Start Up Course
  FREE courses throughout the year. Suitable for those who are in the early days of trading, or ready to launch a developed business idea with intensive online and in person training. More details and lots more online information on start up here: berkshiregrowthhub.co.uk/start-up-programme/
  
  
   
• Is Self-Employment right for you?
  Come and join a FREE half day workshop to find out what’s involved and if working for yourself is right for you and your family. Do you understand what’s involved, what the impacts and requirements are, will your idea work? We have FREE sessions running in April and May, in local neighbourhoods.  Details to follow.