This in from the Solent LEP, in their own words. Ed
Fitness clubs, mobile vet nursing and handwritten marketing letters…just some of the money spinning ideas that have resulted in young entrepreneurs in the Solent awarded a share of £39,000.
Ten grants awarded
Ten young people, aged 16 to 24, have been awarded funding through the Solent LEP’s (Local Enterprise Partnership) Young Entrepreneur Fund.
The lucky recipients of the funding were unveiled today (October 10) at the Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton as Solent LEP announced the reopening of the fund. Now another £60,000 is up for grabs for the most promising of the region’s budding business brains.
Mobile vet nursing
Among those already getting a head start in business thanks to the cash injection from Solent LEP is 23 year old Ellie Tappenden from the Isle of Wight, who plans to set up a mobile vet nursing service for the island. She hopes that if her business is a success on her home turf, she can expand the service to other rural areas across the UK.
She said:
“I graduated as a vet nurse last year, and have seen how much a vet nurse locum agency is desperately needed. The funding money will help me set up the business. There’s already a lot of interest, and I have vet nurses ready to go as soon as the business is launched.”
Other entrepreneurs
Also benefitting from Solent LEP funding is Charlotte Pearce, a 23 year old from Southampton. Her business, Inkpact Marketing, offers a handwritten letter service for businesses.
Charlotte said:
“After talking to businesses I realised that they were struggling to communicate to their customers in a way that showed just how much they cared. Handwritten letters were so rare and personal that their recipients always opened them. I had friends with beautiful handwriting and realised this was a service I could offer. The funding has helped me grow from that small beginning to hiring a whole team with more than 10 writers. It also meant I could quit my other job and work full time on Inkpact Marketing.”
Mohammed Khan, from Portsmouth, was another recipient of the fund and is following in the footstep of his father and grandfather, both of whom run their own businesses. He has set up Get Fit Sports, a sports academy that runs boxing, dance and football lessons for schools and community groups.
He said:
“The money from The Young Entrepreneur Fund has helped expand our offering from just boxing lessons to other sports. The fund was quite easy to apply for although I must admit the interview was pretty nerve-racking! I’d definitely suggest that other young business owners research what funding is available to them.”
Chris Allington, Solent LEP Board member, met with the ambitious youngsters today. He said:
“These ambitious young people are the business leaders of tomorrow and we are delighted to be able to give them a head start on their journey. Entrepreneurs are key to the region and indeed the UK’s economic recovery, creating businesses that generate jobs and income long into the future.”
Rosy Jones, Head of Employability & Enterprise, Southampton Solent University, said:
“Southampton Solent University are delighted to partner with the Solent LEP to deliver round two of the Young Entrepreneurs Fund. Ranked in the top 20 Universities in the country for student start-up, we are excited to work with the young entrepreneurs in the Solent region to share our expertise and knowledge and support them in achieving their entrepreneurial aspirations.”
The Young Entrepreneur fund was launched in November 2013 by Solent LEP and partners The News, The Daily Echo, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council, the Solent Further Education Colleges and Universities, Prince’s Trust and NatWest.
Anyone in the Solent area aged 16 to 24 with a strong business idea is urged to apply for the next round of funding, which is open for applications now. Under Round 2, another £60,000 is up for grabs.
To find out more or apply visit www.solentlep.org.uk
