Free workshops to provide Steps to Business for budding Leeds entrepreneurs

Image credit: Leeds Media Centre which will host Steps for Business next month

Editorial Brief
At a glance: AI-assisted overview, optimised for journalists, search & news aggregators
Press Release

LEEDS, UK - 16 January 2026

Aspiring Leeds entrepreneurs have been invited to sign up for a free programme designed to equip them with the essential knowledge, skills and inspiration to build their own business.

Organised by Unity Enterprise, the not-for-profit subsidiary of Leeds-based BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise, Steps to Business is a two-day practical workshop taking place at Leeds Media Centre on Saturday 7 and Saturday 14 February.

Its six core modules will begin with an introduction to business and the key ingredients required for running a successful venture, before moving on to the structure and responsibilities necessary for a business to be legally compliant.

The course will then examine how to chart a clear direction for the new enterprise by creating a vision with defined business goals.

Finance and cashflow are next on the list, empowering participants with knowledge on managing resources and routes to additional funding, before an exercise on how to test a business concept and reach the right customers.

The programme will conclude with a masterclass on building visibility and attracting clients through the smart use of marketing techniques, including social media.

Richard Aitoro, Unity Enterprise Business Adviser, said: “The two six-hour sessions are the latest incarnation of Steps to Business which we launched in 2023 to provide aspiring entrepreneurs in Leeds with the knowledge and confidence to start and build their own business.

“Since then, several participants of differing ages and career backgrounds have used what they have learnt to set up their own sustainable enterprise.

“Next month’s course will be fully interactive to enable an open exchange of ideas facilitated by experienced business professionals.

“Spaces are limited, so I would urge those wishing to take part to book their place today and take the first step towards self-employment and financial independence.”

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “Steps to Business has been a hugely effective vehicle in supporting fledgling entrepreneurs to transform their business ideas into entrepreneurial success.

“There has been a deliberate emphasis on attracting participants from BME communities including Unity housing tenants. That remains and will always be the case.

“There is so much latent BME business talent in neighbourhoods across Leeds which we are determined to reach and develop.

“I particularly encourage people from those communities interested in establishing a winning enterprise to sign up for the workshops and start their business journey.”

Steps to Business will take place from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 7 and Saturday 14 February at Leeds Media Centre, 21 Savile Mount, LS7 3HZ

Places can be reserved by calling Tel: 07737 604542 or emailing: [email protected]

Notes to editors

About Unity Homes and Enterprise Unity Housing Association was formed in 1987 with the objective of building a strong, BME community housing association to address the needs of black and minority ethnic communities in Leeds. The initial focus was on Chapeltown, but this has widened to other areas of the city including Harehills, Beeston, Holbeck, Chapel Allerton and Pudsey. Alongside two schemes in Huddersfield, a new affordable housing development has recently been completed in Cleckheaton. With a turnover of £6.8 million and an annual investment in new and existing homes of around £6.5 million, Unity now manages over 1,386 properties for tenants from all communities and ethnic backgrounds. In 2000 the association established its not-for-profit subsidiary company, Unity Enterprise, to support local entrepreneurial activity. It now provides 142 affordable business units for more than 80 diverse businesses across three centres in Leeds. Unity Employment Services (UES) was set up in 2011 to support Unity tenants and their surrounding communities in accessing employment and training opportunities.

Get more news like this

Get more news like this on Google. Set News By Wire as a ‘Preferred News Source’ to get quicker access to news that’s important.

All done!
Thank you for subscribing.

Email Subscription