The Larkin Business Skills Program

The Larkin Business Skills Program was set up in 1995 in response to unemployed people who wanted to start their own business, or go into self employment, but felt they needed help with the practicalities involved. The Program offers core business skills and 'hands on' support to the people engaged in self employment projects and start-up businesses.

Participants are expected to devote 6 hours per week, - 3hrs in class and 3 hrs of 'own time work' to complete tasks set by course tutor. The remaining part of the week is spent developing their individual projects. Help is given with funding applications, sourcing workspace and equipment, insurance etc. In selected cases mentors will be provided.

Course subjects include:

• developing and utilising management accounts
• producing profit and loss accounts
• cash-flow statements and balance sheets
• assistance in developing a book-keeping system for each business
• assessment of existing book-keeping systems and training in their chosen system, self-assessment and taxation
• market research, pricing the service or product
• selling skills
• tele-selling
• business and consumer law
• personal motivation and practical business administration
• plus other single subjects like health and safety
• banking