HAVE you got a business idea that you would like to get up and running? A hobby that you are thinking of turning into a business? Or maybe you have started your business, but now need some advice and support to grow.

Rural Enterprise Solutions from Devon Communities Together can help!

Devon Communities Together, the community council for Devon, is a champion for the county’s people and environment - helping communities help themselves.

This project is supported by The Prince’s Countryside Fund, which works to improve the prospects of family farm businesses and the quality of rural life.

This latest project phase involves a series of roadshow events, hosted by interesting and relevant businesses that have already demonstrated their entrepreneurial credentials.

The first of these kicks off at Quicke’s Traditional Ltd, Home Farm, Newton St Cyres, on Tuesday, May 23.

Co-hosted by Mary Quicke and Kate Shirazi of Cakeadoodledo, the event will feature a farm tour, cheese tasting and presentations from Mary and Kate, who will talk about their business journeys and some of the highs and lows they’ve encountered along the way.

“More than 100 small businesses and potential entrepreneurs are already ‘virtually’ involved with the project via our website and ’Facebook’ group, but this is our first ‘physical’ networking event”, explains Mike Felstead, the project’s manager, who added: “Mary and Kate have developed successful businesses and I’m hoping that their stories will inspire our guests to give their own entrepreneurial ideas a go.”

Kate is especially looking forward to the event: “I started Cakeadoodledo from my kitchen table with a budget of a couple of hundred pounds 12 years ago.”

She explained: “Everyone told me I was mad. The first accountant I had told me I was wasting my time. I am so glad I have a stubborn streak. I just knew I was on the right track. Believe in your ideas and prepare to work harder than you ever thought imaginable. It’s all worth it.”

As well as gaining an insight into what it takes to develop a successful business, the event will also offer a networking opportunity for budding entrepreneurs and newly-established businesses, as well as the opportunity to sign-up for free, ongoing, one-to-one support and mentoring.

Mary understands the importance of activities that benefit rural communities across Devon.

She said: “There are huge opportunities to be had that embody the landscape and environment they come from and are personally and financially rewarding. Anything that can be done to encourage people to get started has got to be a good thing, so I’m delighted to both host and support this rural entrepreneurship initiative.”

For more information about the project, visit the website: www.DevonHub.org.uk or email Mike Felstead: [email protected] .

Tickets to the event can be ordered via the Eventbrite website: ruralenterprise-quickes.eventbrite.co.uk .

Alan Quick