Self-employment journey – Uliana’s story

When Uliana joined the Restart Scheme, she had recently graduated from university, and her career goal was to start her own business - supporting Ukrainians with ESOL, documentation and educational applications.

Upon joining, she met with Employment Adviser, Amy, who was on hand to provide self-employment support to Uliana, and with thorough research in her sessions, they created a business plan together.

Our self-employment team can assist with business startups, and strategies to connect with specific clients. The Restart Scheme can provide financial support and step by step guidance when starting out as self-employed.

Amy told us: “Every appointment and interaction with Uliana has been an exciting opportunity to further explore her business ideas. As Uliana navigates this exciting phase in her career, she continues to receive support, ensuring her business flourishes in the months to come.

“In addition to her business, Uliana has a zero-hour contract with her local borough council as an ESOL teacher, which will not only give her the extra experience but also the option to expand her network which will build her confidence and knowledge in this specific sector.”

In-work support is provided for the first six months of employment, to ensure our participants transition back into work is as smooth as possible.

Uliana’s contract with the council as a self-employed ESOL tutor and assessor was eventually extended and had an increase in hours. She shared:

“I feel so lucky to have met Amy, she has been a great support and really uplifted me when I needed it. Amy’s positive attitude and has given me the strength and confidence I needed to achieve my end goals.

“I am lucky to have found paid work through the Restart Scheme which is flexible enough to continue my own organisation alongside too. The council that I now work for are also focused on bringing positive change to the community to help Ukrainians adapt to the changes they face.

“With the help of the Restart Scheme I have established my own organisation ‘Ukraine in the UK’, with a focus to support and uplift Ukrainians who have moved to the UK, in settling into their local communities.

“I have been able to work both professionally and privately in the same career path, whilst receiving ongoing support from the Restart Scheme. Words cannot describe how happy I am with the support I’ve received from Amy and the team, thank you!”