chance to demonstrate their IT skills
to local businesses, which may lead to
employment.
Penny already has experience in
this arena, having created a set of
qualifications and an employment
route for Digital Youth Academy, which
was launched at the House of Lords in
October 2012 with the aim of providing
digitally savvy youth with training
and introductions to businesses. It
has since been acquired by a training
company.
The cafes will have a community
manager, to provide coaching and
community links, who will also be
trained in mental health first aid to help
tackle mental health problems affecting
small business owners.
STRONG MINDS CAMPAIGN
“I have launched a ‘Strong Minds’
campaign to highlight the problem of
mental health among entrepreneurs,”
Penny says. “A strong mind leads to a
strong business.”
She freely admits to having felt
lonely in business at times and has
suffered from post-traumatic stress
disorder. It all sounds very worthwhile,
but as a business how will it be funded
and earn its keep?
Penny says: “The food and beverage
side will be run by a separate provider
and we plan to work with companies
that seek a market for their business
software and training, such as Sage and
Microsoft.
“I want to find suppliers I know. We
can provide them with a place where
they can sell and market their products,
but always recognising that small and
medium-sized enterprises and sole
traders are human beings as well as a
market.”
MANAGEMENT FRANCHISE
The plan is for the network to grow
by being offered as a management
franchise.
“We hope to interest individuals,
who may want to crowdfund the
investment, syndicates of investors
or even local councils or Business
Improvement Districts, areas in which
businesses pay a levy to fund projects
within the district’s boundaries,” Penny
says.
Currently, however, The Business
Cafe is an online concept, with a
website that offers free membership
and where Penny blogs regularly. Thisis a project that aims to tick a lot of
boxes.
“Councils, colleges, BIDs and other
local authorities will find many of
their community agenda boxes ticked
with the arrival of The Business Cafe
to their town,” Penny says, citing
issues such as youth employment,
apprenticeships, employer
engagement, high street regeneration,
free digital skills, SME support and
community inclusion.
While many businesses today are
transitioning from the high street to
the internet, this is one which aims to
go the other way. Will it make the leap?Penny Power (right) with
business partner Gail ThomasCreate a community of fellow business owners who give you positive
energy. Choose those who make you feel good, rather than those
who present themselves as perfect.
Constantly improve your skills, such as the use of accounting
software. It’s an investment and learning makes you feel good.
Look after your mental health. It’s the most important factor in
keeping you energetic and successful, but you have to devote time
and attention to it.
Never be embarrassed to sell your own skills or use them to help
others, such as with counselling or coaching. The world does not
need another poor person.PENNY’S FOUR POINTERS FOR A BETTER BUSINESS LIFE