Hampshire's Young Entrepreneurs Receive Ongoing Support

10/03/2008 12:00:00

Hampshire County Council is helping to ensure the county’s future captains of industry continue to receive support, through its ongoing work with The Prince’s Trust.

Since 1997 the County Council has supported the Trust in helping young people to set up businesses in Hampshire, backing enterprise projects and supporting unemployed young people in Hampshire through a special fund, into which they ploughed £50,000. This in turn, has been continually reinvested to enable the programme to continue. The purpose of the scheme is to help young people develop a spirit of enterprise and improve their future career prospects.

The Prince’s Trust is a national organisation founded in 1976 by HRH The Prince of Wales. It aims to support young people into employment. Successful applicants could receive help in the form of mentoring, test-marketing grants of up to £250 and/or small loans and benefit from advice and guidance from the Trust’s business advisors. The Prince’s Trust helps people between 18 and 30 years of age with business start-up support .

Successful outcomes for young people in business under the scheme are determined either by the continuing success of the business or by the young person entering full time employment or training if the business closes.

With help from the Trust, Ann Noble started up her own business Vibrant Glass Art, creating stunning jewellery in a studio at her home in Chandlers Ford and selling her pieces through her website www.vibrantglassart.com. Ann said: “The financial help I have received from the Prince’s Trust has enabled me to move my business on much quicker than had I been alone. I have been able to set up with the right equipment, which has allowed me to book to attend bigger events and improve my business.”

Executive Member for Economic Development, Councillor Michael Woodhall, said: “The Prince’s Trust helps young people with funding for enterprise which they might otherwise not have access to from traditional routes. This, in turn, enables them to realise their ambitions, become financially independent and contribute to the healthy business economy of the county. I was very pleased to hear that one of our Hampshire entrepreneurs has benefited from the Trust this year. I have visited Ann at her studio in Chandlers Ford and I am full of admiration for her skill, creative flair and determination to succeed. I wish Ann all the very best with her business.

“At the start of this year Hampshire County Council agreed to provide a revenue grant of £70,800 to the Prince’s Trust and I am pleased that the County Council is able to continue to support their work. I look forward to hearing and seeing for myself many more success stories of the young people who have been given the opportunity to achieve fulfilling and rewarding careers.”

For more information about Business and Awards with the Princes Trust contact Nick Giles on 023 80 622 666.

Photo attached: Nick Giles from The Prince’s Trust, Ann Noble and Councillor Michael Woodhall.

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