A charity has launched a new funding opportunity to provide innovative young adults with the means to turn their entrepreneurial projects into real-life social change.
Big Change has introduced the Spark Awards programme offering 10 successful applicants up to £40,000 in investment each – plus a support programme valued at £10,000.
Set up in 2012 by Holly and Sam Branson, Princess Beatrice and friends, the charity has since directed £5million in funding to social change projects across the country.
The charity says its support of these projects has led to a further £60million in investment from outside sources.
CEO of Big Change Essie North told Mancunian Matters: “We’re unashamedly hopeful for a future in which every young person is set up to thrive.”
North said: “We want to shift who gets funded, who gets to lead, who gets to have ideas about change.
“Those closest to the problems are able to figure out what the solutions are.”
Farhad Gohar, 20, one of several Manchester-based entrepreneurs supported by Big Change, is backing the new scheme.
Gohar started PotentialMCR to teach young people the skills to set up legitimate enterprises, and aims to do this across all Greater Manchester schools.
He said: “I grew up in a world where drug dealers were the only successful entrepreneurs I saw.
“I want to change this narrative and save lives.”
North said: “We want to see people with Farhad’s level of ambition, who see an opportunity for young people where they see systems failing.
“Young people who turn that experience into hope and possibility.”
North told us the funding model means the recipients will be able to pay themselves for their time.
She said: “We want to create systems inclusive of every young person, no matter what background you’re from.”
North encourages 18-25 year-olds in Manchester, who are frustrated with the system and have big ideas for change, to apply for the scheme – telling us:
“We’re the space to support those big dreams and visions to help make them a reality.”
Applications for the programme are open for 8 weeks- to find out more see:
https://www.big-change.org/spark-awards
Feature image: Farhad Gohar, 20, founder of PotentialMCR
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