Training course (EN)

This module is addressed to Business Advisers/Coaches to help them to understand the profile of the entrepreneur in terms of skills and background as well as to learn Business Advisers/Coaches how knowing the entrepreneurs will support them to implement Access Enterprise methodology.  Also, this module is addressed to Entrepreneurs to introduce them to training material and practice that are used during piloting.

This module includes the following topics:

• Background findings of IO1;
• Ladder of Participation;
• Co-production;
• Getting to know an entrepreneur;
• Getting to know a business coach;
• Circles of Support.

Background findings of IO1

Use online the description of this topic presenting the main findings identified in the State of Art’s review on Entrepreneurship support by pointing out the profile of entrepreneurs from marginalized groups, as it resulted from the research undertook in each partner’s country.  It helps you to understand the profile of the entrepreneur in terms of skills and background but also to learn how knowing the entrepreneurs will support them to implement Access Enterprise methodology.

Ladder of Participation

Objective: to identify key questions about pilot implementation. Explain the approach of the project, in order to reach the last step of the ladder. Use the template Armsteins Ladder of Participation and Armsteins Ladder of Participation Exercise Sheet for practical work. Participants should think about their experiences and provide examples for each step: doing with? doing for what? Doing it for who? - and answering the questions: Where does it fit on the Participation Ladder? What results have you achieved? How did you achieve better results? This exercise provides a model to help practitioners consider where they are in their journey towards working with individuals in a co-productive way. It uses Armsteins Ladder of Participation to encourage reflection on personal practice and to highlight how working co-productively may mean getting a better outcome.

Co-production

Business Advisors knowing the entrepreneurs support them to implement Access Enterprise methodology. Start with an exercise that will challenge participants to consider the definition and key values of co-production. They will learn what is meant by key terms such as mutuality and reciprocity and be able clearly to describe key principles of co-production. Hand out of definition and principles, flip chart paper, and pens for practical exercises. In two groups (three persons in each) using the definition provided examine a key principle of co-production, come up with a definition for that principle, and an example of how it could be manifested in the piloting of Access Enterprise. Sum up by getting feedback: draw out key points and ensure definitions are mutually agreed and understood.

Getting to know an Entrepreneur

Ask your participants to either individually or in groups outline an individual to present the profile:  draw the persona and then give it a name, age, and business idea. Participants should elaborate their attitudes, expectations for the future, values and passions, skills, challenges, their main actions for success, and capacities relevant to the business environment.

Getting to know a business coach

Ask your participants to either individually or in groups outline an individual.  This exercise enables and empowers them to discuss freely business needs, challenges, and solutions using a character rather than themselves as well as it provides an insight the level of understanding the business coach has to the needs of the entrepreneurs they support, what each Business Coach feels is necessary to support an entrepreneur.

Debate the differences and similarities between the exercises for Entrepreneurs and Business Coaches.

Circles of Support

Use the template Co-production circles of support for practical exercise. It helps to understand who are the key actors to support the target group (Business Advisors and Entrepreneurs).

List, in the given sheet, actors that each of the participants to the territory within four circles (the more external, the further away).

‘Co-producers’ relates to all stakeholders who are responsible for the outcome and give their time, skills, and expertise.

‘Participants’ relates to those who will receive the benefit of the service or help deliver it but who do not initially develop it; these people may become co-producers as time progresses.

‘Involved’ relates to those who may need to be informed about your service and who may wish to give feedback for example commissioners or managers but who are not actively participating or co-producing it.

‘Consulted’ relates to stakeholders whose opinions you wish to take account of but who are not actively receiving the service or benefit from the service.