- Be your own boss! New scheme launched to inspire young people to set up their own co-operative businesses
- Drop-in information session tomorrow from 11am – 1pm
Local people in Pilton and surrounding neighbourhoods are being urged to come forward with their business ideas as part of a new scheme aimed at inspiring future entrepreneurs.
The Together Enterprise Scotland project, run by the Co-operative College in partnership with Pilton Youth Children’s Project and supported by the RBS Skills and Opportunities fund, is focused on empowering young people aged 16-24 to set up their own co-operative business.
Co-ops are a business model with proven success, as highlighted in the Co- operative Economy 2018 report1. Whilst only 44% of new businesses survive the notoriously difficult early years, 80% of co-operatives make it through, with many going on to become thriving businesses that enrich their local communities.
More information about the project and how to get involved will be available at a series of drop-in sessions taking place at Pilton Youth and Children’s Project Centre located at The Greenhouse, 33 West Pilton Brae, Edinburgh, EH4 4BH.
The drop in sessions will take place on the following dates:
1st April 2019 11am-1pm
8th April 2019 11am-1pm
The project will officially start on the 29th April 2019 and run until February 2020, with weekly sessions covering all the basics involved in setting up a new business such as marketing, finance and how to put together a business plan.
All those involved in the project will then be matched with mentors to help develop their ideas further.
Gemma Obeng, UK Programmes Manager, Co-operative College commented: “We’re delighted to bring our Together Enterprise project to Scotland and can’t wait to get started.
“We know the transformational impact that co-operatives can have on communities and look forward to helping all those involved in the project bring their business ideas to life”
1 http://reports.uk.coop/economy2018/
Zoe Powell Martin, Support Worker, Pilton Youth and Children’s Project said: “I’m very excited to be part of Together Enterprise, and can’t wait to see young people from across the community build co-operatives that will benefit everyone, strengthening our own community in the process too!
“This is an amazing opportunity for everyone in Pilton. Not only are young people on the training course benefiting but also our neighbours and friends who will get to engage with co-operative businesses that are purposefully built for them!”
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