Partner Article

Young rural entrepreneurs to benefit from ‘bright-sparks’ bursary

There hasn’t been a lot of good news on the employment front for young people recently as the number of unemployed people nationally in the age range 16 to 24 hit the 1.02 million mark in September 2011. In the North East the number of young people described as NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) rose from 59,000 in quarter three in the year 2000 to 70,000 in the same quarter in 2011.

However the good news is that self-employment is gaining in popularity as in the quarter from July to September 2011 the number of self-employed people rose by 100,000 nationally to reach 4.09 million. In the rural areas of Northumberland self-employment is a favoured and realistic option for many people as job opportunities are few and far between. There are many young people with ideas and inspiration who lack funding though, so to foster this entrepreneurial spirit a new bursary is being set up to benefit 16 to 24 year olds who can demonstrate that they are ‘bright sparks’.

The bursary is to be set up and managed by the Mid Tyne Business Forum whose members will mentor the young people who successfully apply for the three £1,000 bursaries on offer. Also supported by NBSL, a D-BIS (Department of Business, Innovation and Skills) approved and regulated Local Enterprise Agency, the funding is aimed at new business start-ups but anyone who is already trading and needs support to grow and develop their enterprise can also apply.

Written applications are welcomed from young people aged 16 to 24 in the Tynedale area and shortlisted candidates will be required to attend a meeting with the business forum to present their proposals in person too.

For further information and to apply for a bursary, contact Andrew at Dillies in Hexham, telephone 01434 606045.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Phil Langton .