This in from the Cabinet Office, in their own words. Ed
A new scheme that will support budding social entrepreneurs to create positive social change across the Isle of Wight has been launched today by the Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson.
The scheme is aimed at potential social entrepreneurs that have been affected by gang culture and those from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to reforming their lives
A life-changing opportunity
‘PowerUP’, will provide a life-changing opportunity for twenty social entrepreneurs across the country who are looking to start a new social businesses.
Successful applicants will be awarded a place on a nine-month course fully funded by the Cabinet Office and will receive a business mentor from Lloyds Banking Group.
Young people 18+ years old who have been affected by gang culture are eligible to apply by filling in the application form from now until 30 April. The scheme is also open to social entrepreneurs of all ages who are leading social businesses that support young people affected by gang culture.
Dragon’s Den panel
Shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to a Dragon’s Den style selection panel the week commencing 11 May.
The business ideas may be commercial, but should focus on supporting young people who are affected by gang culture or addressing a need within their community.
Rob Wilson, Minister for Civil Society, said:
“We have a long term economic plan that will help to create opportunities for young people across the Isle of Wight.
“I know from personal experience the challenges of setting up a business and I want to help young people who have been in gangs to change their lives for the better, which is why I am proud to be launching this unique campaign today.
“PowerUP will support ten social entrepreneurs to start their social businesses, make money and improve their community.
“I am excited to be partnering with Lloyds Banking Group and School for Social Entrepreneurs and I encourage young people to apply and take the opportunity to get out of the grips of gang culture.”
Solutions for issues facing today’s youth
Alastair Wilson, CEO of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, said:
“We know that the most innovative solutions to pressing social issues- such as gang culture- often come from those who are living within the communities most affected or have first-hand experience of the issue they are looking to tackle.
“We’re excited to launch PowerUP, as we can now support twenty more social entrepreneurs to start a social businesses and develop sustainable solutions to the issues facing today’s youth.”
School for Social Entrepreneurs
PowerUp is the latest of many courses run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs in partnership with the Lloyd Banking Group. Lloyds Banking Group Social Entrepreneurs programme plays a vital role in the bank’s business strategy of helping Britain prosper. An existing partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs, currently in its third year, supports social entrepreneurs in communities in order to help stimulate economic growth and regeneration across the UK.
In addition to the twenty participants on the PowerUP programmes, the Group has committed to support 1,300 social entrepreneurs on the programme by 2017.
Helping others make a difference in their communities
Harry Singh, South East Ambassador for Lloyds Banking Group said:
“We are delighted to expand our support of social entrepreneurs through the PowerUP programme. Our existing Social Entrepreneurs programme already supports nearly 300 social entrepreneurs across Britain each year, providing grants and access to learning support and a mentoring scheme.
“The PowerUP campaign allows us to contribute further, helping young social entrepreneurs across the Isle of Wight to make a real difference in their communities further illustrating our commitment to helping Britain prosper.”
Applications for PowerUP can be made online from now until 30 April 2015.
