New fund supporting care leavers’ business ventures
CONFIDENCE BOOST: Alfie Murrell, right, receiving his award at THUD from Adam Corbally, patron of MC4C
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
A new fund, which was only announced a few months ago, is already putting its resources to work by supporting the business ventures of young people who have experienced the care system.
Launched in memory of Mark Jones, Hull City Council’s former director of regeneration and care leavers champion, the fund was unveiled in March at THUD Yorkshire, which was a network of aspiring and current young entrepreneurs who gathered at Humber Street Gallery.
The work with young entrepreneurs is being led by Hull City Council’s Making Changes for Careers (MC4C) programme and the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank (JCYEB), with the focus on the wider disengaged, due to disadvantage, young people of colour, neurodiverse, from LGTBQ + communities, on universal credit and from working class communities.
Two previous recipients of test market grants told of the benefits which have accrued to their businesses.
Alfie Murrell, founder of SYM Resale, won an award at THUD for his clothing business which aims to provide high end fashion at low prices. He said: “This has opened my eyes to the skills that are required in business. I feel confident to start my business and that I will be supported if I have any problems down the line. I hope to help inspire others in the future with my story.”
SUPPORT: Jessica Hunt with the shed she is converting into a mini home salon
Jessica Hunt, founder of Nails by Jessica, added: “I cannot thank everyone enough for believing in me and helping me get my test market grant and my Mark Jones Grant. I just want to create a better future and achieve something for myself. The support I have received has been amazing and I am so grateful for everything."
The fund of £30,000 has already attracted the support of local politicians who endorsed the initiative and urged young entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities available.
Councillor Anne Handley, leader of East Riding Council, said: “This fund will not only honour the memory of Mark Jones, but will also be a real help to young entrepreneurs in our area who have been part of the care system. I have no doubt that the fund will attract lots of applications and will make a real difference to successful applicants.
“It is also very pleasing to see the emphasis on youth in the way this fund will be promoted, and I wish every success to aspiring young entrepreneurs across the region.”
Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder regeneration and housing at Hull City Council, said: “These test market grants for young people who have experienced the care system are an invaluable way for young entrepreneurs to set off on their journeys and test their ideas in the real world.
MUCH-MISSED: The fund is in memory of Mark Jones
“Success isn’t always guaranteed but the education and experience during the journey only adds to their personal skillset and makes them better equipped to go again or go better. Entrepreneurship isn’t about hitting the jackpot first time around, but fostering drive and confidence in individuals to learn, grow and try again."
Councillor Victoria Aitken, East Riding Council’s portfolio holder for children, families and education, said: “I would encourage any young person with a special interest or flair for a business idea to take the plunge and venture into the world of a startup business.
“Many years ago, I was a young person in Hull and East Yorkshire, with a passion for starting my own business and all I needed was a bit of help with some money, some positive encouragement and guidance and lots and lots of hard work and determination.
“The JCYEB gives fabulous opportunities to connect young people with the really important early startup help and support. I'm very proud to help them to spread these opportunities across Hull and East Yorkshire, in particular for young people who have experienced the care system in the East Riding.”
Rebecca McCoid, Hull City Council youth enterprise and microbusiness champion, spoke of the importance of the JCYEB and the Nathan Taylor Training and Employment Fund.
She said: “I have worked in supporting a number of young people who have experienced the care system and this funding will go a long way towards helping them.
“I had the pleasure of working with Jess on her application and I am positive Jess will do well in life and take her business to the next level.”
Key dates for funding applications
The funding for young people who are care experienced is available to people aged up to 29 years old who are within their first year of trading or with new business ideas.
The deadline for the next round is Friday, June 14, with a panel meeting taking place on Monday, June 25.
Future deadlines in 2024 are:
July 26 for a panel meeting on August 6
August 29 for a panel meeting on September 10
October 4 for a panel meeting on October 15
November 22 for a panel meeting on December 3
