A new enterprise hub aimed at helping young people to start their own business will open in Dundee next month.
Launch It Dundee will be based in Kandahar House in Meadowside, and will have 16 units available for fledgling businesses.
The Launch It Trust operates four enterprise centres in London but its Dundee hub will be the charity’s first in Scotland.
Enterprise manager Shabana Basheer said: “Launch It Dundee was set up last year to meet an evident need for affordable business premises and tailored support for local young entrepreneurs. Since then we have signed a lease with Dundee City Council and refurbished Kandahar House.
“I have also been busy making contacts with people in the city who work in enterprise, employability or young people.
“Our target audience is 18 to 30-year-olds who are unemployed, under-employed or struggling to access employment which may be for reasons such as confidence, lack of support or a hidden disability.
“It’s about providing an opportunity for financial independence.”
Ms Basheer said a variety of business mentors would help guide the young people.
The venture has been supported by a variety of charitable trusts to launch.
Businesses will pay affordable rents which will help Launch It to be sustainable.
“We have been lucky to receive funding for the first year but longer term, if the building is full, all of our running costs will be covered by the rents. It will be very affordable,” Ms Basheer said.
“The rent will also be tiered – 50% for the first six months, then 75% for the next six months and then 100%.
“The businesses can have the space for two years.”
Launch It will officially open on May 7.
rmclaren@thecourier.co.uk