A ‘POP-UP’ business school is aiming to train aspiring business leaders to make a living from what they love, even if they haven’t got any money.

The PopUp Business School promises a ‘revolutionary’ approach to starting a company – one that teaches passion and practicality, rather than business plans and grant-getting.

It will be holding a week-long free workshop in Didcot’s Orchard Shopping Centre from Monday, March, 19.

Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to attend the sessions to learn how to start or grow their own business.

They will be taught ‘everything they need to know’ including starting a business with no money, how to generate sales from social media and making a website without any technical skills.

It has been co-funded by Hammerson, the owners of the shopping centre, Soha Housing, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils and the European Social Fund.

John Cotton, leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We are enthusiastic partners in this innovative project.

“The PopUp school is part of our ongoing commitment to help new and existing businesses in and round Didcot garden town and Science Vale to grow and succeed.”

The PopUp Business School reported that 30 per cent of people who attend their workshops go on to start businesses and it is hoped that more than 50 new companies will be started in South Oxfordshire as a result.

The organisation said 98 per cent of participants experience a boost to their confidence and leave with a feeling that they can make things happen.

It was co-founded five years ago by Alan Donegan and Simon Paine, who became frustrated by the traditional approach to start-ups.

The school particularly hopes to help marginalised groups who may face more barriers to being able to set up a business including lone parents, the unemployed, people with disabilities and ex-offenders.

Students are encouraged to leave their suits, ties and briefcases at homes and start off by learning sales and proving a demand for their business first.

They then learn the latest online business models.

Mr Paine said: “Business shouldn’t be an exclusive club for those people with cash or who know how to write a business plan.

“I want to make it possible for everyone – that’s why we developed our approach.”

His co-founder, Mr Donegan, says what he most likes about teaching aspiring entrepreneurs is ‘changing people’s perceptions of what is possible for them, altering the way they look at business and helping them to see a brighter future that they can take charge of.’

To sign up go to popupbusinessschool.co.uk.