Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Young Entrepreneurs programme and grant scheme is unique amongst Scottish Councils.
The scheme is available to young people aged 18 to 25 years and is region wide. In Annandale and Eskdale, the scheme is supported by funding from the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency and delivered by the Beyond Chapelcross programme (known as the CX Project) for at least two days a week. In the last 12 months the programme has supported 23 businesses and provided 33 grants in Annandale and Eskdale.
John Grierson, Chapelcross Site Director for Magnox, said, “Our support acknowledges the fact that there are reduced prospects for young people for long term careers in the area with the decommissioning of Chapelcross and helps to support them to find alternatives. We are pleased to see how successful the scheme has been and very impressed with the drive and ambition of these young entrepreneurs. ”
Councillor Colin Smyth, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, said, “I am proud of how we have been able to support young people’s business ambitions. The survival rates of the businesses are much higher than the national average and the variety of businesses is astounding. Our priorities are clear and include supporting young people into employment and stimulating our local economy – this project does both with great success.”
Young business starts in Annandale and Eskdale have been able to take advantage of region wide events and training master classes, gaining confidence, learning how to promote their business, attract sales and meeting other like-minded young entrepreneurs.
The wide variety of these young, vibrant businesses includes:
Shampooch, a dog grooming business in Eastriggs run by Teri McLymont ( main Picture)
Teri said, “I love working with dogs and I have already bathed from tiny puppies up to huge Alsatians and Afghan hounds. The equipment is expensive, especially the dog bath and grooming table, so the pre-start up grant was really helpful and I’m planning to apply for the next stage grant. I am very grateful to the Young Entrepreneurs Project and also to all the new customers who have been supporting me to make a success of Shampooch.”
Euan Duff of Edds designs, also based in Eastriggs, is specialising in swimming pool design.
Talking about his starting point, Euan said, “It has been a whirlwind since I came across Proteus Pools by chance last year and had this wild idea that I could go into pool design. I hope to bridge the gap between the architecture and engineering sides of pool design. The Young Entrepreneur Project made this possible with a start-up grant which allowed me to buy the expensive design software that is essential to my work. It is early days yet because pool projects take a long time to come to fruition, but I believe the business has a lot of growth potential. The help and support I have received reduces the risk and helps to put my business on a sound footing.”
Other local businesses supported by the project include:
Danz Designs, Moffat A graphic design business run by Daniel Warwick
RJP Milinery, run by Rhona Purdie
Room One Hair and Beauty, Johnstonebridge run by Vicky Napier
At Home Podiatry Annan, run by Louise Richardson
PB Plumbing, Annan run by Paul Bell
Young business owners between the ages of 18 and 25 years can apply to the Young Entrepreneur Project for either a pre-start up grant or a start up grant if their business is in the Dumfries and Galloway postcode areas of DG10 to DG16. In certain, limited circumstances support is available for business owners up to age 30.
For more information contact Lindsey Mason, Young Entrepreneur Co-ordinator on 01387 260171 or by email at [email protected]
Businesses outside the age limits, but within the same postcode areas can enquire about funding from the CX Project.
For more information on the CX project contact [email protected]
