Empowering West Cumbria's Next Generation: Positive Enterprise Programme Offers £1,000 Grants to Young Entrepreneurs

West Cumbria’s Young Entrepreneurs Given Opportunity to Launch Their Own Business

The quest to discover West Cumbria’s brightest young entrepreneurial minds has officially begun. With £1,000 in funding available for each successful applicant, the Positive Enterprise programme is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs aged 14 to 25 kickstart their business journey.

Cumbria Community Foundation, in collaboration with the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP), is spearheading this initiative to encourage young individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. The programme will equip participants with funding, mentorship, and skills development, giving them the tools to bring their business ideas to life.

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Supporting Young Innovators in West Cumbria

Eligible participants, aged 14 to 25 and living in the former districts of Allerdale and Copeland, will have the opportunity to apply for the programme. Ten places are available for the next intake, which begins in January 2025. Each participant will receive a £1,000 grant to help cover essential start-up costs such as equipment, marketing, or other business-related expenses.

In addition to the financial support, participants will benefit from expert mentorship from experienced local business leaders and gain access to valuable skills and leadership development opportunities. This holistic approach aims to ensure that young entrepreneurs have a solid foundation as they launch their business ventures.

Positive Enterprise: A Proven Path to Success

Now in its third year, the Positive Enterprise programme is funded by property developer Brian Scowcroft, with additional funding this year from Sellafield Ltd under its Transforming West Cumbria initiative, and support from the Beverley Trust Fund. The programme has already helped 16 young entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality, with businesses ranging from animal accessories to football coaching and self-care packages for cancer patients.

One of last year’s participants, 16-year-old Chloe Pennington from Whitehaven, successfully launched her business, Chloe’s Chateau, which creates and sells original artwork and gifts inspired by the local area. Chloe said:

“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.”

Building the Next Generation of Business Leaders

Sellafield Ltd is a key partner in the Positive Enterprise programme. Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development and Sourcing at Sellafield Ltd, highlighted the importance of investing in young talent:

“We are excited with the launching of the Positive Enterprise programme, a significant opportunity for young minds in West Cumbria. 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. 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 CforLP, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the impact the programme has had so far:

“For the past two years, we’ve been blown away by the creativity and self-motivation of all the young entrepreneurs. With invaluable support from their mentors and our practical workshops, they develop key employability and entrepreneurial skills such as negotiation, time management, and business knowledge.”

The Role of Mentorship

The success of the programme is heavily supported by the involvement of local businesspeople who serve as mentors to the young entrepreneurs. Mentorship plays a crucial role in providing guidance, expertise, and support to the participants.

Mark Cant, co-creator of the Cumbrian Tea brand and a mentor in the first two years of the programme, shared his experience:

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s about giving something back and helping the next generation, and I learn a lot from the young people involved too.”

Call for Applicants and Mentors

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, encouraged young people and potential mentors alike to apply:

“The scheme has a fantastic track record of helping young people fulfil their dreams and make their business a reality. It’s really gratifying to be able to help these young people, and we couldn’t do it without the support of our funders and mentors giving up their time to share their skills and experience.”

To support those interested in applying, 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 more details about the programme and how to apply.

For more information or to apply to be part of the Positive Enterprise programme or volunteer as a mentor, visit Cumbria Foundation Positive Enterprise.

Applications must be submitted by 5 pm on Friday, 3 January 2025.

David Prior

David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.