Funding is available from Somerset Community Foundation for young people, from two grants programmes:

•Enterprise Grants

•Training and Employment Support Grants

Both programmes are open to young people who live in Somerset.

Enterprise Grants are for those not in employment, education or training, aged 18-30 to launch their business idea or to support their business in its early stages. This money could be used to pay for things like equipment, materials, stock and services to help get their business up and running. Grants for up to £1,000 are available from this programme.

Training and Employment Support Grants could help a young person aged 16-30 with the cost of essential items for training or apprenticeships, or to start a new job. This could include the cost of a course, a laptop, tools or clothing, or transport costs. Grants for up to £500 are available from this programme.

Gina, from Taunton, received an Enterprise grant of £1,000 for her online business The Notion Box (www.etsy.com/shop/thenotionbox), which provides haberdashery (or notions) boxes comprising a complete kit of sewing essentials. Gina said: "The grant has already made a massive difference, allowing me to produce three types of Notion Boxes including a special design for Christmas. Being able to have more designs available on my Etsy shop has helped to move my business forward immediately."

She added: "The grant has been more than just a financial support; Somerset Community Foundation has offered additional business mentoring too which I hope to learn so much from."

Grants awarded from the two funds have included safety clothing and tools, beauty equipment and uniform, laptops, kit for a photography business, and supplies for a gift card business.

Kirsty Campbell, Programmes Manager at Somerset Community Foundation said: "We're delighted to be opening up this fund again for applications.

"Whether you need an extra bit of money to help get your new business off the ground, are starting a new job after a period of unemployment or are taking a course at college or an apprenticeship – we'd like to help if we can. It's amazing the difference these grants can make."

The deadline for applications is Friday 19 November, 2021. For more information visit:www.somersetcf.org.uk/grants-individualsor if you have any questions, please contact Kirsty Campbell by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01749 344949.

Somerset Community Foundation is a charity that helps passionate people in Somerset change the world on their doorstep by funding local charities and inspiring local giving and philanthropy. They aim to build stronger communities in Somerset where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. They provide rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give through them, to the causes and places they care about most. Together, they fund amazing organisations and the passionate people that change lives every day.

Since SCF were founded in 2002 they've awarded more than £15 million in funding, changing thousands of lives across Somerset.