Young entrepreneurs search begins

West Cumbria – The hunt is on for the next generation of young entrepreneurs as Cumbria Community Foundation and the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP) launch their Positive Enterprise programme. This initiative aims to support individuals aged 14 to 25 in starting their own businesses, with a grant of £1,000 available for each successful applicant.

The programme, now in its third year, is open to residents of the former districts of Allerdale and Copeland. Up to 10 places are available for the next intake, set to launch in January 2025. This year’s funding comes from property developer Brian Scowcroft, with match funding from Sellafield Ltd under their Transforming West Cumbria program and the Beverley Trust Fund.

Participants in the programme will receive £1,000 to be used for equipment, marketing, or other start-up costs, as well as mentorship from an experienced businessperson and opportunities for skills and leadership development. The scheme has seen 16 participants to date, with businesses ranging from animal accessories and football coaching to American sweets and self-care packages for chemotherapy patients.

Chloe Pennington, 16, from Whitehaven, is a former participant who started her business, Chloe’s Chateau, through the programme. She creates and sells original art and gifts, using her own hand-drawn artwork to make prints, mugs, and other giftware. Pennington shared, “Being on the programme with so many brilliant young participants, that have now become friends, is a privilege that I am so very grateful for and one that any young person would benefit hugely from.”

Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development and Sourcing at Sellafield Ltd, expressed excitement for the launch of the Positive Enterprise programme, saying, “This initiative not only supports aspiring entrepreneurs aged between 14 and 25, but also equips them with the mentorship and skills they need to thrive in today’s business landscape.” She added, “Together, we aim to nurture the next generation of innovators and leaders who will shape the future of our communities.”

Rhianna Smith, Early Careers Project Lead at the Centre for Leadership Performance, also shared her enthusiasm for the programme, stating, “For the past two years, we’ve been blown away by the creativity and self-motivation of all the young entrepreneurs.” Smith emphasized the value of mentorship and practical workshops in developing key employability and entrepreneurial skills such as negotiation, time management, and business knowledge. She added, “Positive Enterprise is truly a springboard for these young people and their exciting business ideas, and I cannot wait to see what they come up with next.”

The success of the programme relies on the recruitment of local businesspeople to serve as mentors for the young entrepreneurs. Mark Cant, one of the founders of the Cumbrian Tea brand, has been a mentor for the first two years of the programme and has thoroughly enjoyed his experience. He shared, “It’s about giving something back and helping the next generation, and I learn a lot from the young people involved too.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, encourages both young people and potential mentors to consider applying for the programme. She stated, “The scheme has a fantastic track record of helping young people fulfill their dreams and make their business a reality.” Holliday expressed her gratitude for the support of funders and mentors who give their time to share their skills and experience.

To learn more about the Positive Enterprise programme, two online information sessions will be held on Thursday 14 and Wednesday 20 November. For more information and to apply for a place or to become a mentor, please visit https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/transforming-west-cumbria/positive-enterprise/. Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 3 January 2025.