Although these phrases sound like the sort of thing we say about our programmes, in this context they describe a business with recent experience of Breakthrough.

Kirsty Mitchell runs A Stable Start which, in her own words “offers bespoke educational support, within a nurturing environment, delivered by a qualified professional”. Working with primary-age children, especially those disengaged from mainstream education, Kirsty fosters a child’s strengths by offering “hands-on, small group, learner-led opportunities”.

Her background is ten years in mainstream education, so while her own experience clearly encompasses the specialist knowledge she needs, Breakthrough helped with business-specific input. Alongside such practical help, the programme also offers something less tangible, but no less valuable: the connection with, and support of, her peers, as well as UP leaders.

Kirsty says:

It was lovely to feel part of a group going through the process together, combined with knowledgeable leaders, making the whole prospect of running my own business less daunting.

Kirsty’s ‘Breakthrough moment’

People on Breakthrough sometimes cite a ‘moment’ – a revelation or sudden burst of clarity – and Kirsty’s was a sense of re-engaging with what she’d first found inspiring about her vocation: “to ignite a child’s passion, tailor sessions specifically suited to their individual needs whilst … nurturing them through this process.” Of course, no two businesses, or people, are the same, so experiences of Breakthrough will differ. But a recurrent theme is the opportunity it offers people like Kirsty to, as she puts it:

…take the plunge and kick-start a business, allowing you to put things into perspective and get on the right track for a viable business.

If this sounds like where you’re up to, and what you could use, please get in touch.