A podcaster has turned her passion into a fully-fledged business after taking part in a dedicated online course that can help you to earn money by doing what you love.

Start Up School is a part-time, 8-week programme, funded by a grant from the Greater London Authority, administered by the council’s adult learning team, Learn Ealing. The course helps to turn complicated business concepts into actionable steps. The next course, comprising of 6 workshops, starts on 22 January. You can sign up for the first workshop.

Almost 600 of the borough’s residents have taken part in the programme since 2021.

Making voices heard

Rachael from Ealing was already running a podcasting business before she joined the course, although many participants are just thinking about ideas to turn into reality when they sign up.

Rachael said: “I’d been running my business for years, but I didn’t have a clear plan or strategy.”

She runs a podcast production and strategy service that helps people and organisations to talk about sensitive topics such as fertility, menopause, invisible illness and intimate care.

Building strong foundations

After discovering the course, Rachael decided to use it to find the confidence and practical tools to shape and strengthen her business foundations.

Rachael said: “I used to work with academics, theologians, and faith leaders but the economy changed, and they could no longer fund podcasts. I also had to change my target audience.”

“The course gave me confidence and helped me to rethink my approach, marketing and financial plans, identify my ideal clients, and create a one-page business plan I can always refer back to. The principles I learnt can be used not just for my business, but also for my clients’ podcasts.”

Rachael found the weekly group calls helpful in practicing specific skills and having a supportive community.

She said: “It was very collaborative. We had group sessions with the other students where you could say what you need and people were open to helping each other.”

Since completing the programme, Rachael has secured new clients and launched podcasts that resonate with audiences. She credits the course’s mix of video lessons, group calls, and one-to-one mentoring for helping her rebuild her business.

“It was exactly what I needed at the right time. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to start or grow a business,” she added. For more information, visit Rachael’s website.

Sign up

If you have an idea in mind or an already existing business which you want to develop, sign up for the next course, which starts on 22 January.

Registration is now open. Enrol online today.

Ealing Council’s adult learning team, Learn Ealing, is a proud partner of this course where you will learn to:

• identify your ideal customer and where to find them
• understand how to price your product or service
• create a one-page business plan and know the legal requirements of running a business
• feel more confident about the steps you need to take to start or grow your business 

Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “Startup School is a fantastic programme aimed at helping people start and succeed at their business and we are very pleased we can support it. It’s a great opportunity to explore ideas and get tailored help that will give you the best chance to turn your dreams into a successful business.”