Enterprise Culture and Young People

EUROPEAN UNION - Investing in Your Future - European Regional Development Fund 2008-13 - Project part-financed by the European Union

The Enterprise Culture Project

The Enterprise Culture Project is an innovative project which sees two of Stockton Councils departments working together - Regeneration and Economic Development and Children, Education and Social Care.

The project aims to enhance young people's experiences and perceptions of enterprise by cultivating skills based learning within our schools, colleges and learning institutions and funding innovate and engaging projects. Allowing all sectors of young people to be involved including those not in employment, education or training (NEET), looked after children, black and ethnic minorities, those from disadvantaged areas amongst others.

In today's environment, enterprise is about improving our ability to compete and succeed in an ever changing world economy; it is vital for education and business to work together to ensure that young people are prepared for life and work with the necessary skills, attitudes, experience and motivation to richly contribute.

The project will initially operate until July 2011 supporting our learning institutions to embed enterprise and fund intensive activities which inspire entrepreneurial activities in engaging and innovative domains.

Funding for the project has been provided through the Stockton Borough Council Communities Fund and the European Regional Development Fund. This allows us to allocate over £150,000 of funding to projects and initiatives that will engage over 120 young people in intensive enterprise activities. As well as embedding an environment that offers young people the opportunities they need to visualise, develop and 'practice' skills that will help them contribute as individuals to their society; living fulfilling lives and achieving economic well-being.

Making an idea a reality

Are you between 14 and 19 years of age?
Young people often have the ability and drive to think of innovative ideas that may be turned into their own business. However finding a way to make that idea a reality can often be difficult. The Enterprise Culture Project will also be funding small grants to young people with big ideas.

If you are a young person with a big idea get in touch!

Are you between 18 and 25?
The Princes Trust provides funding and support to help young people start their own business. Their business programme helps a young person realise their dreams of becoming self employed.