Ten Yorkshire entrepreneurs under 30 years old have each been given thousand-pound grants from philanthropist Richard Harpin.
The grants were made after they’d pitched at a StartUp Saturday event attended by more than 60 ambitious local entrepreneurs, and organised by York City Council.
The grants cash was provided by philanthropist Richard Harpin, co-founder and former CEO of home improvements and repairs firm HomeServe, via his York-based enterprise charity the Enterprise Trust.
He said: “I’m passionate about supporting young entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses. I was a keen self-starter in my youth and that early hands-on experience helped to shape the entrepreneurial career I’ve had ever since. That’s why I believe we should do everything we can to introduce and nurture enterprise in the next generation.
The grants were awarded to:
• York-based Ruby Willow, Femme Cacao (food and drink)
• George Lewis (York University),Sailia (tech)
• Leeds-based Martin Sabucha, Stag Strat (tech)
• York-based Joly Black, Four Wheel Drive York Ltd (creative)
• York-based Olivia Heppell, Skintelligence (beauty)
• York-based Ryan Willis, Open World Quests (themed walks)
• York-based Jessica Riley, Mind Body Beauty (beauty)
• York-based Josh Fowler, Clean & Restore (furniture restoration)
• Harrogate-based Olivia Kitteridge, Real Time Stories (education)
• Pickering-based Lyes Berkache, Yorloos (portable toilets)
Cllr. Ashley Mason, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said: “For centuries, York has been built on the kind of entrepreneurial spirit that was clear to see at this informative and inspiring event.
“It was fantastic to welcome Enterprise Nation to the city and to hear about the range of exciting business ideas on show. I’d like to congratulate the ten grant winners, whose ideas stood out as particularly innovative and promising.
“I’d encourage anyone with a new business in York, or who is looking for advice on starting one to take full advantage of the local support. This includes support from our Business Growth Managers, and our weekly business newsletter which will help you stay up to date with events, funding opportunities and the latest news from the council and beyond.”
StartUp Saturday is part of the nation-wide StartUp UK initiative, a partnership between Enterprise Nation and Monzo Business. The event in York was facilitated by City of York Council and Enterprise Nation to help support the diverse range of small and independent businesses in the city.
Emma Jones, CEO and founder of Enterprise Nation, guided attendees through every aspect of founding a start-up, from writing a business plan to navigating the world of finance.
