Youth Enterprise Scheme

One of the themes we have devoted ourselves to deliver is opportunity. We in Westminster City Council are determined to give every individual the same opportunities. One project which was set in motion last year is our Youth enterprise scheme, the project aims to activate young people by teaching them new skills and showing them new prospects in life.

Self-employment is now seen as an alternative for an increasing number of young people and with over 47,000 businesses based in the city and 4,000 business start-ups each year, Westminster is an oasis of entrepreneurial talent.

The Youth enterprise scheme works to make sure that young people with the interest in setting up their own business are able to develop their skills and their understanding of business.

Working with the Prince’s Trust, Westminster launched a new initiative ‘Get Started in Westminster’ which will provide unemployed 16 to 25 year olds the chance to start their own business. The programme offers the opportunity to take part in a free training programme to develop their enterprise skills.

Participants completing courses will be able to apply for a start-up loan of and the support of a business mentor for 2 years from The Prince's Trust.

All other young people from the course will be offered support from The Prince's Trust to move into education, training or employment.

By the end of the first two years it is anticipated that 120 young people will have benefited with 60 accessing the training programme and 20 setting up a business.