Marlborough- based IT and education specialist, Kath Black IT Education, has received funding from The Start Up Loan Company to propel the business forwards and boost social mobility within her community.
The £3,500 loan, accessed via SWIG Finance, will be used to pay the costs of renting premises for the first year, and advertising and operational equipment costs.
Business owner, Kath Black, has worked within the IT sector for over 24 years. She began her career as a technology market researcher and then moved into a corporate IT trainer role, where at the time, she was training employees how to use the ‘brand new phenomenon’ of the computer mouse.
As technology and education has advanced, Kath noticed that it was often the adults who were being left behind.
Over the years, community support available for adult education has declined and Kath Black IT Education aims to fill this gap in the market by providing adult courses which vary in ability.
Absolute beginners can undertake the very aptly named ‘Computing for the Terrified’ course. 1-to-1 tuition is available to meet individual needs. As well as this, Kath Black IT Education can help you stay safe online with cyber security workshops.
As the world becomes more digitally orientated, digital skills are in high demand and so the impact of providing this service is far reaching. Technology skillsets are transferrable and are hugely beneficial to everyday life, both personally and professionally.
Furthermore, with high levels of unemployment forecasted due to COVID-19, learning additional IT skills could help job seekers on the path to employment.
Of the funding, Kath commented “The funding and support from SWIG has helped me to move the business forwards at a faster pace. My dedicated business manager, Sarah Osborn, provided her expertise throughout the application process and made the process easy to navigate”.
SWIG’s Business Manager, Sarah Osborn, said “Kath Black IT Education has potential to generate meaningful social impact within the adult learning sector. By enabling individuals to develop digital skills, she is opening new doors and boosting social mobility within her local community”.
Richard Bearman, Managing Director at Start Up Loans, said: “Start Up Loans exists to help aspiring businesses owners and early-stage businesses to get access to the finance and support they need to thrive and so I’m delighted that Start Up Loans has been able to support Kath Black and play a part in the success of Kath Black IT Education”.
About SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance is the South West’s leading delivery partner for Start Up Loans UK.
If you want to turn your ideas into a business venture, get in touch with our friendly and professional team to find out how we can help you info@swigfinance.co.uk.
Alternatively, for more information, or to apply visit https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/start-up-loans/