Start-up ideas turned into reality thanks to £1.5m business centre

WOULD be entrepreneurs from across East Leeds are set to benefit from a new £1.5m facility offering local enterprise support.

The Seacroft-based centre called Rise will feature pay-as-you-go office space, networking events, and pre-start-up mentoring.

Leeds College of Building will also run training courses from brickwork to joinery to help further provide employment opportunities for residents.

Simon Brereton, programme manager of Sharing the Success, which is funding the initiative, said: “We’re really pleased that this innovative scheme is opening its doors in Seacroft to make sure local people get the help and support they need to reach their potential.

“We know that there are many enterprising people in this area who are already turning unemployment into self-employment and many more who will really benefit opportunities to learn new skills now that Rise is right on their doorstep.”

The Rise centre is the third of its kind in the city with Shine in Harehills and Hillside in Beeston offering similar services.

Sharing the Success is a Leeds Local Enterprise Growth Initiative.