Young Cumbrian entrepreneurs can apply for a grant to boost their business, thanks to a new fund being managed by Cumbria Community Foundation.

The SWEF Enterprise Fund awards grants of up to £2,000 to young people in Cumbria running a business within its first two years of trading. Grants of up to £500 are also available to young people launching a new business.

The funding aims to support applicants with business costs that they would otherwise be unable to afford, to help the business make a transformational change or take a significant step forward in its development.

To be eligible, people must be aged 18 to 30, living in Cumbria and facing financial challenges which are preventing them from developing their business.

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be managing the SWEF Enterprise Fund in Cumbria and know it will make a real difference to young people starting out in business.

“Examples of what the funding could be spent on include equipment to help increase profit, materials or stock, product development and building a website.

“This really is a fantastic opportunity for young Cumbrian entrepreneurs to get a foot on the business ladder and develop their brand.”

Lally Holme, Grants Manager at SWEF, said: “We are delighted to start working with Cumbria Community Foundation and are excited to see which businesses apply to SWEF.”

For more information and to apply for a grant, go to the following pages on the Cumbria Community Foundation website:

• SWEF Enterprise Fund Start-Up Grant – funding of up to £500 for those starting out in business: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/swef-enterprise-fund-start-up-grants/
• SWEF Enterprise Fund Business Grant – funding of up to £2,000 for those running a business within its first two years of trading: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/swef-enterprise-fund-business-grants/

To discuss your application, please contact Tracy Cheesbrough on 01900 825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org.

The closing date for the first round of funding is Friday 16 May 2025.

Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £7 million in grants a year to local charities and voluntary groups through over 100 grant making funds set up by generous businesses, individuals and families.

To find out more about setting up a fund and supporting those in need in Cumbria, contact Development Manager Caroline Adams on 01900 820825 or email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org.

A groundbreaking new report has been launched, shedding light on the state of extra-curricular and enrichment activities for young people in Furness.

Commissioned by Cumbria Community Foundation, BAE Systems, and Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, the independent report – Strategic Approaches to the Delivery of Extra-Curricular & Enrichment Activities in Furness – provides a comprehensive analysis of current provision, identifies key barriers to participation, and outlines strategic recommendations for future improvements.

The findings were unveiled at a special event, bringing together youth organisations, educators, employers, and business leaders to explore how collaborative efforts can enhance opportunities for young people and support their development.

Researchers spoke to young people, parents, carers, schools, colleges, funders, businesses and other organisations involved in delivering extra-curricular and enrichment activity to build up a picture of existing provision and future needs and opportunities.

They also looked at best practice in other regions and made recommendations as to how extra-curricular and enrichment activities could be improved and better co-ordinated with further investment to provide greater impact to young people in Furness.

David Beeby, Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation and of Furness Education & Skills Research Steering Group, said: “Extra-curricular and enrichment activity supports work readiness, builds confidence, and the capacity of young people to embrace opportunities. This can shape their life chances and help them to progress into rewarding careers and a prosperous future.

“This review recognises the good work undertaken by schools, providers and employers to nurture future talent and realise potential. However, extra-curricular and enrichment provision in Furness is not as effective and impactful as it could be. Developing a new strategic approach to the delivery of extra-curricular and enrichment activity can drive a step change in provision, maximise participation and impact, and equip all children and young people with the skills and attributes they need to raise their aspirations, build their confidence, and develop their essential skills.”

The report highlights the multiple benefits of extra-curricular and enrichment activity, including improvements to emotional and physical wellbeing; social benefits such as building friendships and connections with peers; and improvements to academic performance, longer-term attainment and career prospects.

Researchers found that barriers to participation include affordability and ability to pay, lack of transport, confidence levels, and fear of discrimination amongst marginalised groups.

A lack of longer-term funding is a barrier to provision, with long waiting lists for some types of activity.

The report was launched at an event at The Bridge, Portland Walk, Barrow, on Thursday 10 April with presentations from Lauren Newby of GC Insights, who authored the report, and Professor Julie Mennell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cumbria.

Professor Mennell said: “We know that the young people of Barrow have an abundance of talents. However, we also know that not all have access to the opportunities and environment needed to realise their full potential.

“We need positive outcomes, both for our young people and for our future workforce.

“As part of the transformative potential of major investments in the Barrow area, we have a significant opportunity to do this by improving and shaping extra-curricular and enrichment activity. The report will help us greatly and offers a strong foundation of evidence to guide policy decisions, direct funding, and support future initiatives.”

To find out more about supporting the development of extra-curricular and enrichment activity, contact Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, on 01900 820827 or annalee@cumbriafoundation.org.

Read the full report online.

An innovative programme is teaching young people across West Cumbria financial know-how to help them manage their money and stay out of debt.

Citizens Advice Allerdale, Citizens Advice Copeland, and Whitehaven, Egremont & District Credit Union deliver workshops and training sessions to young people aged 11 to 18, covering topics including managing debt, ways to save and banking basics.

The initiative is part of the Financial Wellbeing programme, a strand of Transforming West Cumbria, funded through the Sellafield Ltd Social impact multiplied (SiX) programme and delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation.

Citizens Advice Allerdale and Citizens Advice Copeland offer six free Financial Wellbeing sessions to young people in Years 10 to 13 at schools and colleges in West Cumbria, which aim to provide them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make good financial decisions throughout their lives.

Shelley Hewitson, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Copeland, explained: “Financial wellbeing is defined as the feeling of being secure and in control, being able to pay the bills today, having capacity to deal with the unexpected, and being on track for a healthy financial future.”

Tara Edwards, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Allerdale, said: “The sessions we offer provide an introduction to topics which we believe are fundamental to helping young people achieve financial wellbeing – budgeting, debt, credit, savings, banking, employment and starting a job. We use a mix of quizzes, tasks, games and hands-on practice to keep the sessions fun and informative.”

The sessions have been very well received by young people in West Cumbria, with 98% of those attending the budgeting sessions saying they would recommend them to someone of their own age.

One young person said: “I didn’t have a good understanding about money and budgeting beforehand, but now I know to prioritise my expenses and set a budget for myself.”

Another said: “It taught me life skills that will be relevant in the future. It shows the need to save so you don’t end up in financial issues and complications.”

Online resources are also available, including information for those moving to university or starting an apprenticeship, at https://citizensadvicecopeland.org.uk/index.php/life-skills/.

Whitehaven, Egremont & District Credit Union run workshops focussing on why managing our income and expenditure is so important.

Development Manager Nikki Bates said: “We explain how to identify and prevent problems with your spending and where to go for help and advice.

“Our project is aimed at Year 10 students but it has been delivered to children from ages 11 to 18.”

Schools who have taken part in the Financial Wellbeing programme so far include St Benedict’s School in Whitehaven, Solway School, Beacon Hill School, Energy Coast UTC and Mayfield School. There have also been sessions for apprentices at Sellafield and community youth groups.

The Credit Union and Citizens Advice also ran a specially tailored joint session for young people at Cumbria Academy for Autism.

The Financial Wellbeing programme was launched in 2020 as part of Transforming West Cumbria, aiming to break the cycle of debt for West Cumbrians on low incomes. As well as the sessions in schools and colleges, the programme funds financial wellbeing officers who provide one-to-one financial health checks and information to empower people to take control of their own finances and stop them reaching crisis point.

Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development at Sellafield Ltd, said: “Transforming West Cumbria aims to tackle the causes of inequality in our most vulnerable communities and bring about lasting change. We know that many people in West Cumbria on low incomes find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt with seemingly no way out. The Financial Wellbeing programme funds work across the community to break this cycle.

“By funding work in schools and colleges to teach young people key money management skills, we are providing them with the knowledge and confidence to make sound financial decisions, which will help them throughout their lives.”

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes and Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We see every week the difficulties many people in West Cumbria face managing their household finances, especially in the face of rising costs and increased pressures since the cost of living crisis. This in turn can sadly often lead to anxiety and other mental health challenges.

“We are really pleased to deliver the Financial Wellbeing programme with our partner organisations, particularly the work in schools and colleges, which is equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they will need throughout life to manage their money, stay out of debt and stay well.”

Citizens Advice Allerdale and Citizens Advice Copeland both other free and independent specialist advice across a range of subjects.

Financial wellbeing support, including ways to cut down on your bills and increase your income, plus budget planners, is available at https://citizensadviceallerdale.org.uk/get-advice/financial-wellbeing/cutting-down-on-bills/

Information for people of all ages needing support with problem debt is available at https://citizensadvicecopeland.org.uk/index.php/debt-and-money/