Better Off Finance Inspires Catharine to Pursue Business Dream

Feeling overwhelmed with the complexity of the benefits system, Catharine used to avoid looking into her finances alone. Now, with support from Better Off Finance Catharine has become financially savvy and confident to start her own business. It seems that for Catharine, the only way is up! 

Having left her teaching job due to illness in 2011, Catharine was unemployed for 7 years and receiving job seekers allowance, feeling unable to progress with her business dream. Joining the Better Off Finance programme gave Catharine the time, space and advice to assess her monthly outgoings and work out where she could become more money-smart.

Better Off Finance programme supports people to improve their financial capability and prepare and progress into sustainable employment, or access training opportunities. Feeling anxious whenever she tried to look in to her finances alone, Better Off Finance ensured Catharine was utilising the support she was eligible for.

With her key worker’s support, Catharine managed to save £100 a month; “I really feel like he has given me tools for life to maximise my income and minimise my outgoings, I always tended to bury my head when it came to this stuff – now I have the confidence to find and negotiate better deals for monthly necessities”.

Regaining control of her personal finances, Catharine felt empowered to begin thinking about employment opportunities and the next step forward. Often the scariest thing about pursing a business-dream is the reality of becoming a business-owner. Catharine knew her passion but didn’t believe she had the enterprise skills or experience to turn that passion into a business – and that’s where Enterprise Hub came in.

Head over to The Women's Organisation blog to hear more of Catharine's story.

If you’d like to find out more about Better Off Finance or Enterprise Hub, contact us on 0151 706 8111 and speak to a member of our Engagement Team.