The Government has outlined more details about its new Start-up Loans Pilot Scheme for young entrepreneurs which was announced in the 2012 Budget. It has been confirmed that the scheme will be piloted in partnership with the National Youth Enterprise Working Group.
Based on the current student loan system, the initiative will enable young people who choose not to go to university to access low interest loans for starting up a business.
There is an anticipated overall budget of £10 million available. Loans are expected to be worth up to £2,500 per individual. The scheme will also provide access to training and business mentors.
Young entrepreneurs aged 18-24 who are planning to start up a business enterprise in the UK will be eligible to apply for a loan.
The pilot scheme, which will last for one year, is now expected to launch on 28 May 2012. http://www.bis.gov.uk/
“Think you’re good at art or photography? Handy with a paintbrush or camera? How would you like your artwork or photograph featured at a special exhibition at the Houses of Parliament?
Bite The Ballot are launching a national creativity challenge for young people to change the face of Parliament. They are looking for artists between the ages of 14 and 24 to submit original artwork or photography expressing what it means to be British. Basia Hamilton, famous portrait artist for the Royals together with the talented British photographer Rama Knight have teamed up with Bite the Ballot as guest judges. They are looking out for original, fresh and inspiring submissions.
What are you waiting for? Get cracking on your artwork or photos – whether it’s the London Olympics and Paralympic games, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Adele winning 6 Grammys or anything you feel is special about being British this year.”
The deadline for submissions is the 15th August. For more information please visit: http://www.communitychannel.org/arts360/competition/.
The Google Grants programme supports organisations sharing Google’s philosophy of community service to help the world in areas such as science and technology, education, global public health, the environment, youth advocacy, and the arts.
Designed for registered charities, Google Grants provides free advertising on Google AdWords, to charities seeking to inform and engage their constituents online. Google Grants has given free AdWords advertising to hundreds of charitable groups whose missions range from animal welfare to literacy, from supporting homeless children to promoting HIV education. As a result of this free advertising many charities have experienced an increase in the recruitment of volunteers and sponsorship.
Applications can be made at any time. www.google.com/grants/
The Theatres Trust, which works with commercial, public and voluntary sectors to secure a sustainable future for theatre buildings, has announced that it is now accepting applications through its Theatre Protection Fund Small Grants Scheme. Through the scheme, theatres run by charities and not-for-profit groups can apply for grants of up to £5,000 in order to carry out capital improvements to enhance their work within the local community.
The types of works that can be funded include:
- Urgent building repairs
- Environmental improvements
- Works to enhance physical accessibility, etc.
Applicants have to own or manage theatres with titles or signed leases of more than 5 years on buildings in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Applicants also need to demonstrate that they run a regular theatre programme of professional, community and/or amateur work presenting no less than 30 performances a year.
There are no closing dates and applications can be submitted at any time. http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/grants
Local Not for Profit Organisations with a turnover of £500,000 or less per year can apply for grants of up to £2,000 through the Greggs Foundation regional grants programme. Although Schools can also apply, projects must take place outside of the school day.
The Greggs Foundation was established in 1987 by Ian Gregg, founder of the Greggs bakery retailer. The regional grants programme is administered by committees of volunteers from Gregg shops, bakeries and offices who are based in England, Scotland and Wales. They use their knowledge of the local area to make small grants to local organisations, in particular those that make a difference to people in need in the heart of Greggs’ local communities.
The Greggs Foundation prioritises local organisations that help people in need in their local area. Although each application is considered on its merits, the Greggs Foundation is highly unlikely to fund an application that doesn’t work in a highly disadvantaged area or support priority beneficiaries, these are:
- Voluntary carers
- People with disabilities
- Older people
- Homeless people.
The closing date for applications is the 19th May 2012. http://www.greggsfoundation.org.uk/regionalgrants.html
