Young Entrepreneurs

If you’re aged 16-30, live in Essex and have an innovative business idea requiring mentoring and financial support of up to £5,000, ask us about the Essex Young Entrepreneur's Network. Email us at or see the programme details below for more info.

Introduction

Launching in Summer 2017, the Essex Young Entrepreneurs Network will provide young entrepreneurs the opportunity to start their own innovative business offering an alternative to the direct employment route and inspiring young individuals who may be underachieving in mainstream education, or are working in non-skilled jobs to use their talents for enterprise.

EYEN is a sign-posting, mentoring, business advice and finance scheme, with several options that can be explored.

1. Grants from £500-£2,000
2. Loans from £200-£2,000
3. Venture capital investment from £2,000-£5,000

Applicants should submit an expression of interest in  digital video format as a spoken application form, which will be reviewed by a panel of business experts and peers.

EYEN Criteria

Applicants should be:

• Aged between 16 – 30 years old
• Living in Essex County Council boundaries • Looking to start their own business or be within 6 months of starting their own business
• Have an innovative business idea
• Not have received more than £5,000 in financial support for their business idea past or present
• Have commitment, passion and drive to succeed

Business ideas will be considered that are developing  a new product or service that is new to the market, or adapting an existing product or service for a new market..

The project will provide a reference guarantee service for those who are signed up to support.

For more information on the launch of this network and how to apply, please contact .

How do I write a business plan?

There are many different ways of writing a business plan, and many myths of how they should and shouldn’t be written.  However there is certain information that must be included, and we are here to help you.

Why don’t you attend an Explore Enterprise Course to learn about marketing, selling, pricing, taxation, and book keeping?  The Prince’s Trust have an online business plan and xl spreadsheets to help you set out your ideas.

How do I actually set up my business?

When launching a new business there are lots of decisions to make and you could face various challenges, whether experienced in business or just starting out.  You need to be able to juggle several tasks, and be very organised, and of course there are legalities which must be carried out in terms of registering your business.

By signing up for a Prince’s Trust course a Business Mentor will be allocated to you to help and advice about getting your business off the ground.  The Business Mentor will then stay with you for the first two years of trading to help you through the most difficult times.

Is my business idea achievable?

To test your idea you need to gather facts, carry out market research and do some financial calculations. 

The Princes Trust can offer you a place on a business course where you will learn how and where to gather information and calculate your finances.  If you believe in your business idea then what have you got to lose?

Danielle Putt
Danielle Putt

Innovation & Sector Development Officer

Biography

I work within the Enterprise Team to support, coordinate and manage the delivery of a range of activities to deliver the above, including; providing businesses with access to first class innovation support, supporting and developing the delivery of vibrant sector networks, anticipating challenges affecting businesses' competitiveness and plans for growth, and developing and delivering specific and generic solutions.