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Introducing the North Essex Young Entrepreneurs Programme, Aimed at Empowering Future Business Leaders

The North Essex Economic Board (NEEB) is a partnership among district councils in Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Epping Forest, Maldon, Tendring, Uttlesford, and Essex County who seek to provide opportunities and support for growth for the residents and businesses across North Essex. We are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of our Young Entrepreneurs Programme. This future thinking initiative seeks to support young business minds in the region through targeted support, resources, and recognition for local talent under 30.

Young Entrepreneurs Programme

Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The Young Entrepreneurs Programme forms part of NEEB’s wider strategic plan, designed to ensure that North Essex remains an attractive and supportive environment for business. By focusing on young entrepreneurs, NEEB aims to encourage local innovation and empower aspiring business leaders to turn their ideas into successful ventures.

Key Programme Offerings
The Young Entrepreneurs Programme will provide participants with resources and mentorship through three primary areas of support:

Expert Start-Up Mentorship
Young entrepreneurs will have access to hands-on advice and guidance from experienced business advisors, offering them critical insights and strategies to navigate the early challenges of entrepreneurship.

Free Market Trader Support
Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services by setting up at local markets, providing a real-world platform for them to test and refine their offerings while gaining exposure to local communities. There will also be dedicated workshops, 20 x free NMTF memberships and 25 £200 seed funding grants to support young people into getting started selling!.

Inclusion in the “30 Under 30” Recognition List
Top-performing young entrepreneurs will be celebrated on NEEB’s “30 Under 30” list, which will spotlight promising talents in the region. Those featured will also benefit from free marketing support to help raise their profiles and accelerate their business growth.

Cllr Siddall, Chair of the North Essex Economic Board, commented on the launch, stating, “We’re thrilled to announce the development of the Young Entrepreneurs Programme, which is a key part of our strategy to drive economic growth across North Essex. By supporting the next generation of business leaders, we are helping to build a more prosperous future for the entire region. Whether it’s expert advice, real-world trading opportunities, or recognition through our ‘30 Under 30’ list, this programme is designed to give young entrepreneurs the best possible start on their journey to success.”

An Open Invitation to Young Innovators
The Young Entrepreneurs Programme invites young people aged 18-30 from across North Essex to bring their business ambitions to life. NEEB’s initiative aligns with its mission to develop the skills of the local workforce and ensure that businesses across the region can succeed and grow.

For those interested in participating or learning more about the Young Entrepreneurs Programme, please visit our Young Entrepreneurs webpage to register your interest. Additional details on the programme’s launch and application deadlines will be released in the coming weeks.