Positive Enterprise


The Positive Enterprise programme aims to:

  • give young people aged 14-25 years in West Cumbria the opportunity to have their ideas and ambitions heard and the potential to have them realised
  • challenge young people to think creatively and in more enterprising ways
  • empower young people to be heard
  • support young people to test out their enterprising ideas
  • break down the barriers for aspiring young entrepreneurs, by developing an enterprising culture based on encouragement and support

Now in its second year, Positive Enterprise is a competition open to young people living in Allerdale or Copeland and aged between 14 and 25 who have an enterprising  idea and want to make it into a reality.

In the first year, seven young people took part in the programme. As well as winning £1,000 (which was used to pay for things like equipment, materials, stock and services to help get their business up and running), they each received six months of support, including a series of workshops, expert advice, mentoring and opportunities to shadow local entrepreneurs to help bring their idea to life. There was also a celebration event in the summer to show off their achievements.

Watch this video to learn more.

We’ve partnered with the Centre for Leadership Performance, a not-for-profit organisation that has shared ambitions for young people in West Cumbria. Several of its existing programmes align with and complement the aims of Positive Enterprise to support, nurture and empower leaders of the future.

We know young people have some amazing business ideas and we want to help turn those ideas into a reality, while also considering the impact on the local community.

How to apply?

If you would like to take part, please read the Application Guidance before completing an application form by 5pm, Wednesday 3rd January 2024.

Mentors

We’re recruiting local people to become mentors and to help and encourage these young people to prosper. If you would like to be involved, please read the Positive Enterprise Mentor Recruitment Pack and complete the Positive Enterprise Mentor Application Form and return it via email to grants@cumbriafoundation.org

Positive Enterprise is funded by Cumbrian property developer, Brian Scowcroft, with match funding from Sellafield Ltd as part of its Transforming West Cumbria programme, Nuclear Waste Services, Well Whitehaven, Morgan Sindall and Kaefer.