AN EXCITING new initiative aimed at encouraging entrepreneurial activity among young people in the Exeter and Heart of Devon is to be launched this month.

Based in Victoria House, Exeter, the YESS Project is designed especially for 14 to 19-year-olds with a view to boosting levels of employment locally through increased business activity, and, in turn, the region’s economy.

Free and available to anyone within the above age bracket, there will be three main elements to the programme which, it is hoped, will encourage participants to set up their own businesses with a view to long-term planning:
• INFORMATION CENTRE – Based in Victoria House, 33-36 Queen Street, Exeter (opposite Exeter Central Station), a drop-in service will be available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Here, individuals will gain access to information packs, and advice will be on offer in addition to internet access and other business materials.
• MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME – A variety of successful local business people are already engaged in the scheme and will also be available to offer support and advice based on their experience and expertise in their specialist area of work.
• BUSINESS WORKSHOPS – Regular workshops will be run to provide young people with the essential business knowledge they need to help them start up their own business.
Intended as a ‘one-stop shop’, the YESS Project is about taking a holistic approach towards venturing into the business world, according to YESS Project Coordinator Charlotte Hayes.

The launch event is taking place on Friday, May 21 with a formal opening at 11am. Open to all, Charlotte promises the day will be an exciting, hands-on and interactive event where young people will have a chance to see how achievable setting up a business is, and to speak to men and women in business in the area who have done it themselves. There will also be an opportunity to take part in a taster business workshop and register for future events, workshops and a newsletter.

She continues: “Young people in Devon have told us they need a single point where they can access business information, support, and learning, and this is exactly what we are aiming to provide. Being involved with this programme will give young people the knowledge and confidence they need to take that step into the world of business, and ultimately it will be a fantastic string to their bow.
“The YESS programme will also help to signpost people to other initiatives in the area – we want to enable access to all the support there is out there. It’s an exciting opportunity for young people in Exeter and Heart of Devon area and we hope to expand and sustain the programme over the coming months.”

The programme is being supported by Devon County Council through Productive Skills for Devon and Exeter College as well as numerous other organisations.

People can find out further information and register for the launch event by dropping in to see the YESS team at Victoria House on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Alternatively, they can call 01392 205604, or register by email: yess@exe-coll.ac.uk.