SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS.

Having supported many 100's of young people to date, the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank is looking to grow and support even more young people. Offering more than just financial support, this initiative also offers practical advice to help get business ideas off the ground across Hull and the East Riding.

The John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, with its management group, has over the years continued to be supported by young entrepreneurs, Hull City Council and local businesses and for the last three years has received significant support from KC (£60,000). As the entrepreneurial spirit increases in the area, and they urge more businesses and people to support tomorrow’s employers, they are now proud to introduce their new bondholder investment scheme.

Maureen Foers OBE, Chair of the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, comments:

“We wanted to find a way that we can continue to support even more local entrepreneurs. The new patronage scheme is a great way to do this, and at the same time we are able to offer thanks to those who are kind enough to support us. We are already receiving interest from local businesses wanting to support others, which is fantastic, and we hope by raising awareness we will get even more support going forward.”

The bondholder scheme is about offering financial support to budding young entrepreneurs, with three options available ranging from £250 to £1000, as well as in-kind support. The support generated from the scheme will support local young entrepreneurs and those that support the initiative will be recognised through various levels of publicity, demonstrating their commitment to young entrepreneurship and the local economy.

Thomas Arran, of TArran Photography is one of many young entrepreneurs who has benefitted from financial support of the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank and has now gone on to set up

another business:

"My enterprising journey began whilst studying for a BTEC Diploma in Photography. My first projects were small weddings and eventually led to work with Hull FC and Hull City Council. Following further enquiries, it soon became apparent that I could take my passion of photography and run it as a business. I received support from the Net 315 Enterprise Gateway, the HYEP and the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, where I received £800 to cover my start-up costs. I have now set up a second business - My Fun Booth, offering a customisable photo booth service at weddings, corporate events and marketing campaigns."

Another young entrepreneur who has been identified from financial support from John Cracknell

Youth Enterprise Bank as well as winning the Badgers Sett Enterprise Challenge is Louise Upfold of Weasie Wears 

"My enterprising journey began whilst studying my degree at Hull College in Fashion and Design. I had a number of clients interested in my products but had never considered setting up in business until I saw what support was on offer from the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank. I was given a grant of £900 for a new sewing machine as well as 1-1 advice from one of their business mentors, I went on to win the Badgers Sett Enterprise Challenge and gained even further investment into my business of designing and producing customised clothing as well as ongoing mentoring support from Ruth Badger which will start next month. I hope that more members of the business community in Hull and East Riding will support the city's youth enterprise bank in order that they can help more young entrepreneurs like me."

The youngest recipient of financial support from the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank is 12 year old Millie Notarantonio of Millie Rose, a personalised gifts and novelties company.

Millie "Since I was given a grant from the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank for a new heat press in 2014, I have gone on to redesign my products and created the Millie Rose range. In October last year I had the opportunity of meeting Prince Andrew and talked to him about my business and what I wanted to do in the future, I would recommend any young person still at school that has a business idea to get in touch with the JCYEB for advice and support"

Claire Young is a former star of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, and has already committed to being a Patron, said:

"Hull is doing a great deal to support its enterprising young people, especially those aged 21 and under, and for me is setting the benchmark for other cities to follow! I've seen the city support its wonderful young entrepreneurs and encourage start up businesses, which as we know are very much needed to drive our way out of economic tough times. As an entrepreneur I know how important it is to be listened to and given a fair chance to demonstrate what we can do. The Youth Enterprise Bank provides this opportunity and I hope you will consider giving it your support. With your help the Youth Enterprise Bank can support the entrepreneurs of the future within your community!"

Further Information

1) The John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank was established in 2003 and it has supported over 350 enterprising young people in Hull and the East Riding.

2) It has established a dedicated website for the new bondholders, designed and hosted by young entrepreneur Kit Hargreaves of Apple Pear http://www.jcyeb-bondholders.co.uk/

3) In 2014 it was awarded the NatWest Special Merit Award for championing enterprise at the GB Entrepreneurs Awards

4) The management group consists of educationalists, local businesses and young entrepreneurs (who have previously received support from JCYEB) who also act as mentors and are part of a support network.

5) The JCYEB also contributes to the youth enterprise Eco System in the area by sponsoring Global Entrepreneurship Week, the Badgers Sett Enterprise Challenge, the £5 Blossom Programme as well as the Be Enterprise Group of teachers and tutors.

6) Key Facts about John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank

• Established in 2003

• Age range 13 to 21 year olds

• Grants of up to £1000

• Hull & East Riding young people can apply

• 326 young people have received a grant

• £650 average grant

• 40% of recipients from East Hull

• 35% of recipients from West Hull

• 20% of recipients from North Hull

• 5% of recipients from East Riding

• 25% of recipients are aged 13-16 yrs

• 25% of recipients are aged 16-18 yrs

• 50% of recipients are aged 18-21 yrs

7) Types of businesses supported

Sea Food processing business

Website developers

Photographers

Beauticians

Gardeners

Hairdressers

Cycle repairs

Stationery Printers

Chocolate maker

Bespoke tailoring

Hair dressers

Online music lessons

Dress makers

Paint & Decorator

Up-cycled clothing

Hand made mascots

Jewellery Maker

Personalised Mugs & Tees

Digital games business