Seeking 10 young social entrepreneurs in London
14 Apr 2014 11:19 AM
The Frontline London
campaign is looking to back 10 young Londoners who wish to become social
entrepreneurs.
These people, aged between 18
and 30, will have overcome challenges in their lives, for example putting
addiction or gang life behind them. They should be determined to build a
positive future and inspire other young people to do the same.
In return, they will receive up
to £8,000, training and a business mentor to help them. This is part of
the Frontline London campaign to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds,
including reformed gang members, to make a positive impact on their
communities.
Are you a young person in London
determined to make a positive difference to your community? Do you have a
brilliant idea for a social enterprise? Apply by 5pm on 2 May 2014.
A social enterprise is a
business that provides social benefit, rather than just making a profit.
The School for Social
Entrepreneurs (SSE) will contribute through recruiting the 10 young
people and providing training for them.
The government has provided
£50,000 for the Evening Standard’s Frontline London campaign, and Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil
Society, is closely involved. Nick Hurd said:
When I met with young people at
a gangs forum organised by the Standard and Kids Company in South London last
year, 2 things impacted me: their anger and their desire to feel part of
society and supported in their aspirations.
I wanted to do something about
that, so I am excited by this partnership and congratulate the Evening Standard
on their leadership.
The opportunity to set up social
business will change the lives of these young people. It gives them a chance to
make money and help their community. Their journey will show their peers what
can be achieved outside the gang. I hope Londoners get behind
them.
Lloyds Banking Group has also
contributed £100,000 and will provide business mentors for the young
people.
Application
process
The SSE will shortlist
up to 20 applicants. They will be invited to pitch their idea on 21 May to a
Dragons’ Den type selection panel that includes representatives from the
Evening Standard, Lloyds Banking Group, School for Social Entrepreneurs and the
government.
The Evening Standard will
announce the 10 selected candidates. These 10 young people will start their
one-day-a-month learning programme at the School for Social Entrepreneurs in
June to help them to turn their idea into reality. They will also receive a
start-up grant of up to £8,000 each, and a one-on-one business mentor
from Lloyds Banking Group to ensure maximum chance of success.
Apply by 5pm on 2 May
2014: Frontline London campaign.