The
Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust have agreed to continue
their increased age range for all Western Isles applicants. And
now that the pilot has been extended indefinitely, any young person
in the Western Isles between 18 and 30 can apply to the PSYBT for
advice and support, as well as financial assistance in the form
of grants and loans, to enable them to start up their businesses.
In May 2002 the PSYBT Board increased the maximum application age
from 25 years old to 30 for a one year period, ending in June 2003.
The exciting news was announced by Major General Mark Strudwick,
Chief Executive of PSYBT, at a series of Panel Reviews held throughout
the Western Isles at venues in Stornoway, Tarbert, Benbecula and
Castlebay on May 12th & 13th.
Councillor Donald Maclean, PSYBT Regional Chairman
and
Major General Mark Strudwick, PSYBT Chief Executive
Mark Strudwick said,
“I am delighted to have been able to bring such good news
to the Western Isles. In this PSYBT year, we were able to assist
22 young entrepreneurs in the Western Isles to start up or expand
their own businesses. Only 6 of these young people would previously
have been eligible for assistance. As a result of the extension
in the age range granted by the Board we were able to support a
further16 businesses in the upper age range of 26-30 to turn their
dream of starting their own business into a reality. It has been
my great pleasure to announce that the Board have agreed to continue
with the extension and I look forward to signing many more cheques
for many more Western Isles entrepreneurs, age 18-30, in the years
ahead.”
Regional Chairman of the Western Isles PSYBT Regional Committee,
Cllr. Donald MacLean said,
“This is excellent news for the Western Isles. We were delighted
when the PSYBT Board recognised the need to increase the age range
for applications in the Western Isles. Following the success of
the pilot, and the absolute evidence of demand, we are even more
delighted that the Board have agreed to continue with the age range
extension. Many Western Isles businesses have benefited from the
extended age range in the last year and it is great news that many
more young entrepreneurs will be afforded the same opportunity.”
For further information about The Prince’s Scottish Youth
Business Trust, please contact Jane Campbell, PSYBT Regional Manager
at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on tel. 01851 707475 or email jane.campbell@cne-siar.gov.uk.
Enterprise Youth is part-funded by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and
the European Regional Development Fund through the Highlands and
Islands Special Transitional Programme – HISTP.
ENDS
Jane Campbell
Youth Enterprise Development Officer
Department for
Sustainable Communities
Business Advantage
Town Hall
Point Street
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2BE
Tel: (01851) - 707475
Fax: (01851)
- 703657
Email jane.campbell@cne-siar.gov.uk
Nigel
Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Tel: 01851
709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk | 