A NEW initiative is being launched to help people make the jump into self-employment.

‘Leapfrog – Jump-Start Your Future’, is aimed at people who have the drive and determination to set up a business of their own in Hartlepool.

A special launch event is being held on Thursday, April 3 in the town’s Grand Hotel in Swainson Street from 6pm to 8pm to give people a chance to find out more.

The project is being run by North-East based training provider Amacus in partnership with Hartlepool Council and Cleveland College of Art and Design and is part-funded by the European Union’s Regional Development Fund and the Skills Funding Agency.

Christine Hall, Amacus managing director, said: “Leapfrog is aimed at people in Hartlepool who are in some form of employment but who have serious aspirations to strike out on their own and are being held back because they feel they lack the skills and confidence.

“If you have clear goals and ambitions, coupled with commitment, the right skills and an ability to work hard, you can make a real success of going self-employed.”

On offer will be a full package of training sessions and one-to-one support between May and July in the Grand Hotel on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8.30pm covering the key areas of setting up in business.

To find out more and to book a place at the launch event on April 3 contact Amacus on 01429-890071, email info@amacusltd.co.uk or visit www.amacusltd.co.uk