SOUTHAMPTON’S future entrepreneurs are set to get a boost with a new business school opening in the city.

From April 19 to April 30, Rebel Business School will be running free, online workshops to new start-ups hoping to “inject some extra entrepreneurial spirit into the city”.

The live, online course is open to everyone, and is aimed at helping entrepreneurs of the future to take advantage of new opportunities as the economy opens up.

Successful entrepreneurs and professionals will lead the event which will include advice from those who have overcome the “ups and downs” of business life.

The school claims that many attendees start up, make their first sales and launch websites during the event and co-founder, Simon Paine, who lived in Southampton from the age of 12, says now is the “perfect time” for people in his home town to start a business.

“I know Southampton well and I can’t wait to start helping people in my old stomping ground. It’s going to be a busy summer down on the south coast.

“Whether you’re a cake maker, a hairdresser or a web designer, or whatever business or idea you have, there are opportunities out there for you to start making money.”

The Southampton Rebel Business School is available free of charge to participants, through sponsorship and funding from Southampton City Council.

Kate Martin, Executive Director of Place at Southampton City Council, said the “innovative” business course will help those who have “always dreamt of making their passion their business” and “those who have started out but need a bit of help to really get off the ground.”

She added: “The COVID-19 pandemic has had many devastating effects on our economy and for Southampton, as indeed nationally, this has meant a rise in unemployment and economic hardship.

“But we’re determined that this should not last.

“We want to support all our residents to come out of the pandemic resilient and ensure there are opportunities for everyone, especially for our young people, who can be disproportionally affected when it comes to accessing the job market.”

A free place on the course can be booked on the Rebel Business School website.