Scheme assisting young entrepreneurs in the north-east
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A dedicated programme has helped young people in the north-east start up a business during challenging times.
Business Gateway has been on hand to help rising talent develop their ideas and navigate through an ever-changing environment.
The pandemic has limited entry-level jobs for those looking to take the first step in their careers, and according to official figures almost two-thirds of all people who lost jobs during the crisis were under the age of 25.
However, despite the unique challenges, it also unearthed opportunities for many young individuals.
As they had more time at home, many explored alternative career options and a new type of lifestyle, such as starting up a business.
In response, particularly throughout the areas of Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen, Business Gateway has launched a dedicated programme specifically tailored to people aged 16 to 25.
The Young Entrepreneur Starter Pack provides them with the inspiration, tools, and knowledge to start their own companies.
Delivered through a series of webinars, the specialist programme is divided into two stages, guiding individuals from creative idea generation and conducting market research, to the practicalities of structuring a business, legal requirements, and how to finance and fund a start-up venture.
Success stories emerging with the help of Business Gateway support, include Aberdeenshire-based Creo Digital, which provides a full range of digital marketing services for a variety of businesses across the world.
When 24-year-old founder Kathryn Symmonds, was unemployed during the pandemic, she decided to set up on her own and launched the firm in April.
With the help of Business Gateway, Kathryn built a strong business plan with solid financial forecasts. She was then awarded more than £2000 from the Aberdeenshire Council Young Person’s Seed Fund in May.
Since then, her company has gone from strength to strength as she has built a growing portfolio of global clients across various sectors.
She said: “Funding gave me the ability to hit the ground running with my business, ensuring I was able to get necessary equipment and successfully launch.
“Creo Digital has grown faster than I could have imagined, and I now have two members of staff and am looking to launch a website.”
From strategic advice on business plans, signposting routes to funding and facilitating connections with wider support networks, Business Gateway offers a wealth of services in tandem with the Young Entrepreneur Starter Pack webinar series.
Operations director Roz Taylor said: “It is fundamental that young people are supported, and Business Gateway is proud to offer a range of professional resources, support and tools to allow young budding business owners to learn new skills and to create new opportunities for themselves.
“This Young Entrepreneur Starter Pack is a fantastic resource for those ready to start on their own entrepreneurial journey and I urge youngsters to reach out to see how we can help.”
To sign up to the Young Entrepreneur Starter Pack series visit www.bgateway.com
