Up to £1,000 in Funding and Mentorship Offered to Aspiring Business Leaders
Initiative to Support Young Business Minds
In West Cumbria, an exciting opportunity has opened up for young individuals who aspire to become entrepreneurs. The Positive Enterprise Programme, launched by Cumbria Community Foundation and the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP), is calling for applications from people aged 14 to 25, offering them a chance to kickstart their business ideas. This programme not only provides financial support but also offers mentorship and practical guidance from experienced business professionals.
Funding and Mentorship for Business Success
Participants selected for the programme will each receive a £1,000 grant to invest in essential aspects of their budding businesses, such as purchasing equipment or covering marketing expenses. In addition to this, they will have the chance to be mentored by local business leaders who can provide them with invaluable insights and strategies to help turn their ideas into reality. The initiative also offers participants leadership development opportunities through hands-on workshops.
The programme is available to young people residing in the former districts of Allerdale and Copeland, and up to 10 participants will be chosen to join the next phase starting in January 2025. This marks the third year of the Positive Enterprise Programme, which has already helped several young entrepreneurs take their first steps toward success in the business world.
Programme Backing and Community Support
This year’s Positive Enterprise Programme is made possible by a combination of funding sources. Property developer Brian Scowcroft has been a key supporter since its inception, and for this year’s intake, additional funding comes from Sellafield Ltd under its Transforming West Cumbria programme, as well as support from the Beverley Trust Fund. The programme is committed to providing young people with the tools they need to thrive and has already delivered impressive results in its previous cycles.
Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development and Sourcing at Sellafield Ltd, emphasised the significance of the programme: “We believe in the potential of West Cumbria’s young people. Through Positive Enterprise, we are not only offering financial support but also ensuring that aspiring entrepreneurs have the mentorship and skills development they need to succeed.”
Young Entrepreneurs Share Success Stories
Several young entrepreneurs have already benefited from the programme. One such participant is Chloe Pennington, a 16-year-old from Whitehaven, whose business, Chloe’s Chateau, features her original artwork on gift items such as prints and mugs. “Being part of this programme has been an amazing experience,” Chloe shared. The insights and guidance I’ve received through the programme and from fellow participants have been invaluable, and I’m enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead.
Mentorship and Collaboration with Local Businesses
The Positive Enterprise Programme relies on the expertise and generosity of local business leaders who volunteer their time to mentor the young participants. Mark Cant, co-founder of Cumbrian Tea, has been a mentor for the past two years. Looking back on his experience, Mark shared, ‘Participating in this programme has been an excellent opportunity to contribute to the community. It’s inspiring to see the creativity and determination of these young people, and I’ve learned a lot from them, too.
Invitation to Apply and Information Sessions
Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, encouraged more young people to apply for this life-changing opportunity. “This programme has already made a real difference to the lives of young entrepreneurs, and we’re proud to be part of it. We also want to encourage local business leaders to get involved as mentors, as their support is essential to the programme’s ongoing success.”
For those interested in learning more about the Positive Enterprise Programme, two online information sessions will be held on Thursday, 14 November and Wednesday, 20 November, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. These sessions will provide further details on the application process and what participants can expect from the programme.
