Young Entrepreneur Support Programme Plants SEED of Business Growth
The GrowBiz Self Employment & Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) programme has been updated with a new round of funding and an expanded offering.
Young people based in Perth and Kinross who are between the ages of 18 and 30 can benefit from the support programme, which now offers 1 to 1 support, online learning events, networking and mentoring opportunities, wellbeing support and small grant funding.
The wellbeing support is a new aspect of SEED, reflecting that GrowBiz can provide accredited Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®) training workshops, designed to give participants the knowledge and skills needed to support their mental health while running a business.
GrowBiz Care and Wellbeing Coordinator, Hayley Gardiner, said: “It’s so important to think about your wellbeing as a self-employed person and for many people this slips down the to-do list. WRAP® workshops give participants the chance to take time to learn about wellbeing, to share knowledge and insights, build connections and support, and to make a plan to ensure wellbeing is a priority throughout their enterprise journey.”
The grants represent a second round of funding, with recommended amounts from £250, £500 or up to £1000. It can be used for things like buying equipment, launching a product, or creating promotional materials.
Print designer Sophie Downes was a recipient of a grant during the first round of funding and used it to launch a new range of stationery. She said: “I conducted market research, developed new patterns, sourced suppliers, and after a lot of emails and research later, I had designed and produced a brand new stationery collection. This was unbelievably rewarding and made possible by SEED’s financial support.”
Actor Ella Ironside used her SEED grant to create a professional showreel to help her land an agent. She said: “After filming my showreel I applied to many agencies. Rejection is just part of this industry, but it doesn’t make it any easier when you’re just hearing ‘no’ over and over and over again! But after a couple of months I got a call from an agency that they’d like to sign me.
“That was a very exciting moment and a huge step forward, and one that I definitely couldn’t have taken without SEED—their support had been so valuable.”
The grant funding is not necessarily the most helpful aspect of the SEED programme, though. Sophie added: “No question was a silly question with SEED and I always felt supported throughout my business journey.”
Angela Laurie, SEED Project Coordinator for GrowBiz, said: “It’s amazing to see the growing confidence of SEED participants as their skills and knowledge develop.
“Self-employment provides a wonderful opportunity to create income from something you’re passionate about, and we can offer support with the necessary business skills to move forward. Whether it's marketing, financials, planning, or simply discussing the next steps, we have the pleasure of working with young people in a broad range of industries, and it’s a pleasure to be a part of these journeys.”
More information about the GrowBiz SEED programme can be found on the GrowBiz website at www.growbiz.co.uk/seed