Young entrepreneurs and small business owners who are now operating and getting support at the new enterprise centre welcome the Sheerness community along with members of the council, partners and other supporters in the Isle of Sheppey, into their workspaces in Masters House.
Last 04 April 2024, Launch It Kent Masters House officially held its very first Community Open House to introduce and showcase the work of the young entrepreneurs, artists and small business owners who have joined the business and community hub since its opening last October.
Throughout the day, enterprise manager Denise Knights and the young business owners toured guests around the centre and into their studio workspaces as they talked through their journey, their work and future plans for their respective businesses. Among the Launch It-based businesses present were Nikita-Dean Hart’s content production company NDH Productions, Liam Todd’s streetwear clothing line English Pharaohs, KJ Bangs’ photography studio Pixi Pictures, Kayleigh Rousell’s community action network Sheppey is Ours, Carys’ Russell’s pet care company Carys’ Canine & Pet Services and the newly formed artists collective currently involved with East Kent Artists Open House, Sheppey Art Syndicate.
Among the guests present to meet and get to know the Kent Launch Iteers were Mayor of Swale Cllr Sarah Stephen, her consort Clllr Paul Stephen, the Leader of the Council Cllr Tim Gibson, along with other community representatives from the Swale Borough Council, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), EKC Group, Launch It Kent Chair of Trustees, Chris Pieroni and other supporters.
“I would have loved for a place like this to have been here when I was starting. I’m really happy that we now have a place where we can comfortably grow as business owners,” said Nikita who is now in the process of transforming her workspace into a full-service production studio for podcasts, video and other forms of content; the first of its kind in the island.
“It was a wonderful day to celebrate how Launch It Kent has grown since only opening at the end of last year. I am so proud of what these young entrepreneurs have achieved in such a short span of time and can’t wait to see how they will grow further and take their businesses into another level with the support of the entire Launch It team and community,” said Denise. Since October, the young entrepreneurs have gotten support through a series of free skills development workshops, regular one to one business support, mentorship and other opportunities including media interviews with BBC Radio, KMTV and others.
The Sheppey Art Syndicate also held a special exhibition that showcased the work of some amazing artists in the island. Sheppey FM and Song Signing Academy were also there to deliver a few performances that closed the day on a high note.
Find out more how you can start or grow a business here or support our work: www.launchit.org.uk/sheerness.