A new fund to help budding entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality has been launched in Swansea.
The Swansea Seed Fund has been set up to nurture young people aged 16-25 as they develop their ideas from the early stages right through to – potentially - successful business start ups.
Each one will be given up to £500 to help them reach their potential, as well as the opportunity to receive mentoring support from a group of local organisations including Lloyds Bank, Santander, the City and County of Swansea, Bevan and Buckland and other local business people who are giving up their time to support these potential new entrepreneurs.
“The main aims of the SEED Fund are to improve the prospects of local young people and to give them the confidence to ‘go for it’,” says Sue Poole, Enterprise Manager at Gower College Swansea. “Sharing our knowledge, experience and skills will hopefully help towards the creation of an entrepreneurial ‘talent pool’ within the City and County of Swansea. Who knows? These young people could be the employers and business leaders of tomorrow.”
“From the experience of those involved in the Building Enterprise Education in Swansea (BEES) group, we know that young people need both financial and advisory support to help them translate their ideas into viable businesses that could, in turn, lead to increased employment and training opportunities for years to come,” adds Sue. “This is the reason for the creation of the Swansea Seed Fund.”
Young people who are interested in applying for the Seed Fund, or any businesses who would like to learn more about how they can help the next generation, can apply through the web site www.swanseaseedfund.com