Have you got what it takes to help a young entrepreneur?

Businesses in the city are being urged to support young entrepreneurs by becoming business mentors.

Hull Youth Enterprise Partnership and Hull City Council are looking for businesses to take part in a mentoring programme to encourage aspiring young people to start their own businesses.

Young entrepreneurs benefit greatly from the support of business mentors who play a crucial part in the development and success of their company, and it also gives mentors an opportunity to be recognised for the work they are doing in the local community.

Councillor Martin Mancey, Portfolio Holder for Energy City, said:

“We are delighted to be working with the Hull Youth Enterprise Partnership to secure more mentors for the ever growing number of young entrepreneurs in the city and we are always happy to hear from experienced business owners willing to help and advise the next generation.

“Our businesses and start-ups are at the centre of the North’s economic growth, and nothing beats receiving tips and advice first-hand from professionals within a similar industry.

“Our aim is to ensure that we, alongside a business mentor, can support each and every young entrepreneur across the city so that they never feel like they have to face a challenge alone."

Companies who engage with the mentor programme will receive official accreditation from the John Cracknelll Youth Enterprise Bank for investing their time and effort into assisting enterprising start-ups, whilst having the opportunity to meet other partners and exchange ideas on the city’s commercial issues and play an integral part in shaping future initiatives through the Hull Youth Enterprise.

 Hannah Crookes, Volunteer Coordinator at the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank and Vice-Chair of Hull Youth Enterprise Partnership added:

"The work is highly satisfying for volunteers, and often inspirational, in both understanding and witnessing first-hand how young people overcome seemingly insurmountable hurdles, both in their business and private lives in order that they can create their own jobs. Invariably, the clients are incredibly grateful for the time provided by the volunteers. I have certainly found my time as a mentor for the JCYEB very rewarding."

If you are a business or have experience in running a business and are willing to share your drive and enthusiasm and are able to meet once a month, we want to hear from you.

To find out more contact charles.cracknell@hullcc.gov.uk , call 07990510211 and follow us on Twitter @HullsEnterprise.

ENDS

Further Information:

The mentor programme has been developed to provide an environment for young people to turn their business idea into a reality.

Clients come up with a business idea and they are provided access to an office unit. During that time, the mentors will assist the young entrepreneurs with their business plans, accounting systems, and help them monitor their performance against set targets on a monthly basis. 

Assistance is also provided with marketing and promotion, and sometimes funding.

The objective is to enable clients to build sustainable businesses and prepare them for the commercial world.