NEW ENTREPRENEUR SCHOLARSHIPS

This government-funded project aims to encourage new businesses and social enterprises from the less fortunate areas in the Country to develop into successful enterprises. We run two cohorts a year and are looking to recruit people living in certain parts of East Sussex who have good ideas and the drive to turn their proposals into worthwhile businesses. The Scholarship opportunities are available to anyone over 18 who is not in full time education, whether employed or not (but not on New Deal) and living in a designated ward.

It is anticipated the next programme will run from early September and will broadly consist of:

• Applications for the Scholarships to be invited
• Interviews being held in Hastings
• An introductory get-together of the selected Scholars
• 4 days of Business Start-up Workshops, held in Hastings
• Regular fortnightly meetings with an appointed business mentor over a five month period to enable the development of the Business and Action Plans.
• Mentor meetings will take place in Hastings
• A series of 7 half day Business Workshops, delivered by Kent Business School at 2 locations in Hastings.
• A celebration event of all the Scholars on completion of training period

After successfully completing the main part of the course with an attendance of at least 80% and having presented an acceptable Business Plan, the Scholar will have access to a discretionary start up grant available for items such as initial rent and insurance costs, purchase of machinery and computer equipment and further training.

There is also support after the business has started consisting of further mentoring as the business develops and other opportunities for training Workshops and Seminars.

Candidates are expected to devote the necessary time to attend the Business Workshop days, meet with their mentors for an hour every other week and have an exceptional determination to make their business ideas work.

A limited amount of funding may be available towards travel and child-care costs when attending the Start-up and general Workshops, but no financial support can be provided for the meetings with mentors.

Please call Sharon on 01424 205508 or email sharon.fitzhugh@1066enterprise.co.uk for more information