Young entrepreneurs across Copeland are being offered the chance to be part of a new mentorship programme.
The programme is funded and run by Copeland Borough Council and is directly connected to the monthly Young Entrepreneur’s Market.
The scheme is open to anyone aged 16–25-years-old living in Copeland and will provide them with professional one-to-one mentorship and a bespoke one-day course covering viability, networking, management skills and more.
The young residents will also receive a £300 grant after attending the course to support their business idea as well as a free pitch at Copeland’s Young Entrepreneur’s Market in Whitehaven.
The Young Entrepreneur’s Market provides free pitches for young small business owners. Stallholders sell everything from homemade candles, crafts, cakes and artisan bread, to clothing, gifts, jewellery and more.
Jenny Brumby, Copeland Council’s Business Liaison Officer, said:
"The produce is outstanding, and the young people will now also get the chance to be part of our mentorship programme to push their business to the next level.”
The first validation course will take place at the Bus Station in Whitehaven on Friday the 10th of September from 9 am till 5 pm. Additional courses will be held in November and January.
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said:
“Support and mentorship at the beginning of a young entrepreneur’s career can make a significant difference to the success of a business.”
“I’d encourage any young person with a business idea and a drive to succeed to get in touch and not to miss the opportunity to benefit from this fantastic offer of support.”
Interested young entrepreneurs in Copeland should email Jenny Brumby, Business Liaison Officer, at jenny.brumby@copeland.gov.uk by no later than September 1.