Go For It Supports Firm Helping The Younger Generation Get Active

An entrepreneur from Carryduff has made use of the Go For It business advisory service to grow her firm, which offers classes to help parents connect with their babies and young children through getting active.

The programme, which is funded by Invest NI and the European Regional Development Fund, enabled Sarah Walker to create a business plan and identify the start-up capital required for her business.

Ms Walker operates three programmes in her local area. 'Relax Kids' helps children feel positive, calm and confident; 'Little Stars' teaches under-fives how to shine through songs, games, stories and dance; and the 'Baby Mindful' classes allow parents to connect with their baby through calmness and contentment.

Through the Go For It service, she was also advised on the potential income needed to ensure her business is viable.

Alderman William Leathem, Chairman of the Council's Development Committee said: "To become self-employed is a big step for anyone but Sarah has a passion for improving the health and wellbeing of our younger generation. I am delighted that the Go for It programme could assist her with her three programmes. Sarah offers her programmes across the Lisburn Castlereagh area and I enjoyed meeting some of her clients at the Baby Mindful session held at Inspire Business Centre, Dundonald.

"Sarah has embraced the opportunity to use her qualifications and skills to offer a unique seven step approach of: movement, play, gentle stretching, gentle touch, breathing exercises, visualisation and relaxation. Her unique classes help babies and young children with their social skills, cognitive skills and physical development. I wish Sarah every success in the future as she shapes our children."

Ms Walker added: "The Go for It programme enabled me to put my dream into action so that I can play my part in creating a confident younger generation. Confidence and the ability to relax are two skills that everyone needs as an adult but find hard to learn. By working with children from a young age I can help them learn these skills. It is amazing how the simple tasks of dance, stretching and positive speech can help children. My Go for It advisor helped me draft a business plan, gave me advice on insurance, tax returns and national insurance payments, setting up business accounts with my local bank as well as ways in which to promote my programmes."

Further information on the services provided by Go For It can be accessed here.