Apprentice runner-up on mission to inspire teen entrepreneurs
Posted by Dan Martin in Business trends on Tue, 30/08/2011 - 11:18
Claire Young, runner-up in the 2008 series of BBC TV's The Apprentice, is launching a new scheme providing start-up funding for teenage entrepreneurs.
Launching officially in November during Global Entrepreneurship Week, Teenbiz will each month provide one 13 to 18 year old with £500 to help set up their own business. They will also receive mentoring from Young and a 'start-up pack' donated by sponsors including a website address, company stationery and an official Companies House formation. Sponsors include Ryman.
With youth employment at an all-time high and against a backdrop of riots and growing disenfranchisement amongst British youngsters, the entrepreneur, who since appearing on The Apprentice has launched youth initiatives including Girls Out Loud and School Speakers, said she hopes Teenbiz will inspire a new generation of business owners.
"You can become a company director at 16 years old, but a person under 18 has no way to access start-up funding," Young added.
"We need to lead from the front and create enterprise schemes that are sustainable. Plenty of people are talking about enterprise and doing nothing, I’d rather put my money where my mouth is and make something happen."
The scheme is tweeting via @teenbizUK and www.teenbiz.org.uk will launch soon.
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