We believe that being inspired by others is one of the best ways to stay passionate and motivated to continue doing what is important to you…And who doesn’t need a bit of motivation!

For this lunchtime session we’ll be joined by Jess Widdowson, an entrepreneur since her teenage years, and Employer Partnerships Officer on the Higher Skills Higher Growth programme at Sheffield Hallam University. Bring any questions you might have and be prepared to be energised by someone else’s story.

Jess has always been interested in people, the arts and business. As a young entrepreneur, she opened her first drama school at the age of 16, providing an opportunity for other young people within her local area to develop their skills in singing, dance and drama. Having had lessons since the age of two, Jess was aware of the high cost of classes and wanted to make a difference to others who perhaps couldn’t afford the costly sessions, costumes and performance fees. Since then, Jess has gone on to run two more schools, providing private lessons in singing and drama and delivering bespoke workshops for children and adults alike.

In 2017, Jess decided she wanted to share her skills and knowledge with others, and after taking a role in a college, she began supporting young people to be enterprising and helping other businesses to grow and develop. Today, Jess works on the Higher Skills Higher Growth programme at Sheffield Hallam University, enabling SMEs to access support through recruitment, innovation, research, CPD and more.

Like everyone, Jess and her business were significantly affected by the pandemic and in the session she’ll be sharing some of her thinking around learning to thrive that she has developed over the past couple of years.

Don’t forget to bring your lunch with you into this online space when you join us to hear Jess’s inspiring story and find out more about how the support available through Sheffield Hallam University can help your business to thrive.

Delivered by Sheffield Social Enterprise Network, in partnership with Social Enterprise Exchange.