Council is hosting a free two-day workshop next month, aimed at helping people aged 18-30 learn more about how to start and run a business.

The King’s Trust Enterprise Workshop is being supported by the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs, which is all about helping young people into jobs. Ashburton Mayor Liz McMillan is one of 17 mayors supporting the national taskforce and she will open the workshop on Wednesday 4 February.

So, if you’ve got an idea for an app or a new service, but don’t know how to take the next step, then register and come along to the Ashburton Library on 4 and 5 February - you’ll gain practical business skills, explore enterprise fundamentals and connect with like-minded people.

After completing the workshop, you’ll have access to a 10-week accelerator course, mentoring and networking opportunities, and potential to access funding for your business.

The workshop is one of a series being run by the King’s Trust, and the Ashburton event will include presentations by local entrepreneurs like Harriet Hill, of Hemprino. Harriet is the sales and marketing director and merino wool grown on her family farm in the Rakaia Gorge is blended with hemp to make clothing that is natural, beautiful and sustainable.

There’ll be a chance to ask questions about Hemprino’s journey from concept to production.

Organisers say the enterprise workshop is geared to those aged 18-30, and is one of two being run in the South Island. People can register via, kingstrust.org.nz

The workshop is also supported by the Minister of Youth James Meager.