X-Forces Enterprise (XFE)

In 2012, X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) had a vision to support successful business start-ups from the wider military community: veterans, spouses, family members, cadets, and reservists. To date, XFE have provided 42,000 hours of enterprise training, supported the launch and growth aspirations of 2,334 business owners, and facilitated access to £25.1m in seed funding. 1

ENTERPRISE FOR LIFETM

We believe learning lifelong enterprise skills is of immense value for both aspiring entrepreneurs and those seeking career advancement. Understanding business basics gives individuals commercial know-how and the building blocks for success, whatever their chosen career path.

TRAINING

If you are contemplating self-employment but are unsure whether the enterprise route is right for you and your family, you can sign up for our free one-day Self-Employment Discovery Workshop and discover the pros and cons of starting your own business. You’ll get to know your own red lines, increase your understanding of the commercial world, and make an informed decision about starting your own business. Learn more about this workshop here: www.x-forces.com/training.

Additionally, we have a self-employment training programme designed exclusively for tri-service spouses, partners, and family members. This three-day course is a great opportunity to develop valuable enterprise skills, learn all about the self-employment landscape, determine the viability of any business idea, and network with others going on a similar journey. RAF spouse Natalie Jackson, also known as The Longevity Coach, talks about her experience on the course: www.x-forces.com/military-spouse-and-healthcoach-levels-up-on-xfe-spouse-course.

FUNDING

If you’re considering starting a business, it’s likely you will need funding at some point. As long as your business has yet to start, or you’ve been trading for less than three years, we may be able to provide support via the government’s Start-Up Loans programme. Unsecured personal loans for business purposes of up to £25,000 (average of £11,000) are available. These come with 12 months’ free mentoring support, no early repayment penalties, access to free events and workshops, and a dedicated business adviser.

ALREADY TRADING?

We have a bespoke range of business masterclasses to support current business owners, with topics ranging from building your online presence to understanding your audience in 2022. These are produced in partnership with partner organisations such as ABF, Amazon, The Soldiers Charity, NatWest, and Barclays. You can learn more about the masterclasses and register for free here www.x-forces.eventbrite.com

NETWORKING AND KNOWLEDGE

Whatever stage of your journey you’re at, if you’re looking to connect with like-minded people, XFE holds regular Military in Business® networking events, hosted by our amazing regional ambassadors. These feature special keynote speakers who are experts in their fields, as well as guests from a variety of organisations that support enterprise. Learn more about these events and register for your free place on the XFE Eventbrite page.

Peer-to-peer support and mentoring is fundamental to XFE’s DNA, and our Knowledge Exchange Hub features a growing army of ‘business captains’ – experts from across society and sectors, waiting to support you in a confidential and secure environment. Additionally, the free-to-use digital XFE Hub includes a vast library of articles on the topics that matter most to both aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs.

Please do get in touch today. Our aim is to give people knowledge and information so they can make informed choices about their self-employment career options. The above are all FREE resources for the Armed Forces community and the team at XFE are here to help.

For advice and support, contact: info@x-forces.com www.x-forces.com

XForces

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Reference 1 X-Forces Enterprise Activity Report 2020–21

NATALIE JACKSON, THE LONGEVITY COACH IRENE SMITH, POTHEAD AND PANFACE SUZY OLIVIER, MAMA AND BELLE

XFE beneficiaries pictured opposite: Michelle Williams, Elementary Science; Olivia Smith, Olivia and Pearl; Fizz Festivals; Hannah Saunders, Toddle; Julie Martin-Davy, Present Purrfections.