Young entrepreneurs network empowers future business leaders with successful events

June 12, 2024

The Young Entrepreneurs Southend-on-Sea (YES) network continues to empower the entrepreneurial spirit among budding business owners and young professionals in the city and further afield.

Following the resounding success of its inaugural event at Launchpad Southend in February, the YES Network recently hosted its second gathering at the OneHub Southend coworking space, generously sponsored by OneHub Southend.

The event featured an engaging Q&A session led by Ben Cluett, Business Navigator at Southend on-Sea City Council, and Takondwa Maosa, co-founder of the Divided London streetwear brand, alongside a panel of inspiring guest speakers.

The panel included Jon Dockerill, SME Relationship Manager at Lloyds Bank; Junior Makame, Founder of SocialPro; Omkar Singh, Student Enterprise Officer at Anglia Ruskin University; and Ryan Bell, Founder of TechBalance.

Ben said: "Our events have been hugely successful, and we encourage anyone, anywhere to join us. Southend-on-Sea offers an exceptional environment for starting a business, and our network provides unparalleled support to help aspiring leaders achieve their goals."

Attendees from across Essex and beyond actively participated in discussions covering various topics such as youth entrepreneurship, fundraising, startup essentials, mental health, and more. The event culminated with a networking lunch provided by local business, Eatstreet Catering.

Since its inception, the YES Network has facilitated networking opportunities, fully funded business startup workshops, and access to comprehensive support services, providing a positive platform for like-minded individuals to come together.

With an average attendance of 50 guests per event, the YES Network continues to grow rapidly, demonstrating the increasing demand for entrepreneurial support within Southend.

Nick Brown, the council’s head of economic inclusion, added: "The power and opportunities created by a strong network have long been recognised. It is great to witness the next generation of entrepreneurs and local business enthusiasts coming together to speak about their experiences and help make the most of their potential, which can only be good for the prosperity for the city."

For further information and to join the YES Network community, please email: Economicd@southend.gov.uk or visit their Instagram account @Y.E.S_Network