A pioneering youth enterprise project in Hull is appealing for more business mentors to help the city’s young entrepreneurs through the coronavirus pandemic.
Hull City Council’s Youth Enterprise Team is working with 225 young people aged 16 to 29 who are current or former participants of the Making Changes for Careers or John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank programmes.
Many of the young people have become disconnected from the labour market before joining the programme. Some recently came off Universal Credit or other benefits to set up in business or find work and now find themselves unable to trade, work or access support schemes.
The local authority has set up two schemes to support them.
A business mentoring scheme will connect the young people with volunteers from across the UK who are willing to offer support. The scheme so far has attracted 70 mentors to give advice on how to run a business, help to find a job or listen to their concerns.
For those who may be eligible for financial support, the Youth Enterprise Team has also established an Emergency Grant Scheme with the support of the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, as well as a GoFundMe page with a target of £10,000.
We have established @JCYEB_Hull – Young Entrepreneurs Emergency Fund https://t.co/FR1snJeawz – Please consider making a donation to support young entrepreneurs in Hull that because of #COVID19 are struggling & need your help. Many face going on Universal Credit – No Govt support
— Hull YouthEnterprise (@HullsEnterprise) April 14, 2020
The fund has received direct support from businesses, trade unions and charities as well as individuals and young people who have been involved in youth enterprise activities in Hull. The fund has raised £12,000 and received £16,000 from Hull City Council’s regeneration directorate.
Sue Cade, of Devon PR firm In The Right Order, said: “I’ve run my own business for almost 30 years and I am well aware of the vulnerability of working this way. When I found out that so many of the young people have missed out on Government help during the Covid-19 pandemic, I was happy to offer my services as a mentor, specifically to give advice to some of the young entrepreneurs with making the best use of social media accounts for sales.
“Though I live in Devon, I am proud to be a mentor to support young people in Hull. I hope that more people join me.”
To become a mentor to an enterprising young person or make a donation to the Emergency Grant Scheme, call Charles Cracknell on 01482 505427 or 07990510211, or email Charles.cracknell@hullcc.gov.uk.
