MORE than 60 so-called e-entrepreneurs are using the internet to sell anything from stained glass to recruitment services.

They all completed a Business Start-up NVQ Level 3 with a special emphasis on internet skills.

The course, funded by the Learning & Skills Council for Kent and Medway (LSCKM) and the European Social Fund, was run by Business Link Kent (BLK).

The E-Quality for Women Entrepreneurs course involved two days a week for 10 weeks and covered start-up advice, web design, internet marketing and presentation skills.

It proved so successful that two more courses are being planned for Chatham and Ashford.

LSCKM’s e-learning development manager, Sunil Kumar, said: "We have all been impressed both by the enthusiasm of those taking the course and the strength of their business ideas. I am sure that we will see many successful new businesses emerge."

The women received their qualifications at a ceremony in Ashford Business Point.

Course supervisor Deirdre Alsey said that the level of achievement of learners had been outstanding.

She said: "We have had a success rate of more than 90 per cent which is an excellent figure for a NVQ Level 3 course.

"The dedication and hard work of learners has paid off and I am sure that they will make a great success of their businesses."

The budding e-entrepreneurs have now set up their own networking group – Kent Women Entrepreneurs Forum – and a website www.businesswomenkent.com.

* For more details call 0208 305 2222 or email da@geb.co.uk