A funding boost that will help budding young entrepreneurs has been announced by Nicola Sturgeon.
The First Minister revealed £400,000 will go to the Prince’s Trust Scotland Enterprise programme, which works with disadvantaged young people, offering practical advice about setting up a business as well as financial support in the form of loans and grants.
She announced the cash as she launched the new Samsung digital classroom at the charity’s centre in Glasgow, a new high-tech training centre.
The centre is to become the biggest youth employment and enterprise hub in Scotland, Ms Sturgeon said, and will support thousands of young people in Glasgow and the surrounding areas.
The First Minister added: “Our young people are our greatest asset and it is crucial, perhaps more now than ever, that we see their economic potential unleashed.
“At a time when youth employment is at the highest level since 2005, we want to see the Prince’s Trust Scotland support more young people to start their own successful businesses, which will then also contribute to the Scottish economy.”
She hailed the work of the Prince’s Trust Scotland, saying the charity helped “ensure that our young people see entrepreneurial activity as a viable and valid option, and are committed in supporting any young person to reach their full potential”.
Allan Watt, director of the Prince’s Trust Scotland, said: “The Prince’s Trust Scotland has been supporting young entrepreneurs for over 25 years.
“The enduring legacy has been successful businesses creating thousands of jobs and inspiring thousands more young people to think about creating their own jobs.
“Over 1,800 young people worked with us last year in every part of Scotland from the Highlands and Islands to the Borders.
“Our charity depends on a wide-reaching network of staff and volunteers supported by funding from the public and private sector.
“This funding from the Scottish Government underpins our work to reach any young person interested in running their own business and to provide them with advice, mentoring and financial support to explore, develop and launch their business ideas.”