Funding boost for fledgling businesses

The funding, which will be delivered over the next three years, will help young people realise their business dreams.

The John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank offers practical support and grants of up to £1,000 for young people who need finance to help set up or develop their businesses.

Since it was established in 2003 it has helped more than 150 young entrepreneurs in a wide range of business sectors.

The bank is funded through a range of donations from young entrepreneurs together with Hull Training and is closely linked to the Hull Youth Enterprise Partnership, which aims to encourage young people to become more enterprising and contribute to Hull’s target of creating 1,200 new businesses.

The donation from KC means more enterprising young people from Hull and East Yorkshire, who are aged from 13 to 21, can receive funding to buy the business equipment and services they need to get started.

Sean Royce, commercial and finance director at KC, said: “We’re delighted to support an organisation that does such important work in nurturing entrepreneurial spirit amongst the region’s young people.

“Today’s enterprising young people today are tomorrow’s employers and it’s vital for their future success that they get the practical and financial support they need in the early days of their business careers.

“As a local responsible business we have a role to play in supporting the region’s economy and stimulating business growth and this is a way of doing that while also inspiring young people to make their careers in business.”

Amongst the businesses the Youth Enterprise Bank has supported are Hessle florist Amanda’s Blue Orchid and health food and smoothie firm Xing Health.