A new project has been launched to help young entrepreneurs start their own social enterprises and contribute to the legacy of the Commonwealth Games.
The Beyond the Finish Line project challenges 16 to 30-year-olds to find social enterprise solutions to the widespread issue of high street and town centre decline.
The 10 entrepreneurs who are selected will be given one to one business support, mentoring from an industry expert, free workspace in Glasgow city centre, funding of up to £2,014 and their own space to open for business during the Games.
It is hoped their enterprises will bring new life to empty spaces around the city and contribute towards the Games Legacy vision.
The project has been created by Firstport and Icecream Architecture and is backed by £138,929 of Big Lottery Funding.
Liz Cameron, from Big Lottery Fund Scotland, said: "Beyond the Finish Line is an exciting project which will harness the opportunity presented by the Commonwealth Games to support Scotland's young entrepreneurs. The Big Lottery Fund believes in funding innovation which is one of the many reasons why we have awarded almost £140,000 to turn this idea into reality.
"Giving young people a platform to showcase their business ideas will boost their confidence while also developing key skills needed now and in the future. I look forward to hearing how these spaces are used creatively, playing their part in the regeneration of local Glasgow areas."
A launch weekend will begin tomorrow at Beyond the Finish Line's workspace in Glasgow's Trongate, with workshops, seminars and mentoring sessions for participants.
Angela Constance, Minister for Youth Employment, attended a launch in Glasgow today.
She said: "Tackling youth employment is a top priority for the Scottish Government. As Minister for Youth Employment, my role is to focus Scottish Government efforts on supporting youth employment and to champion the needs of all young people, but particularly the young unemployed.
"That journey into work can be intimidating for any young person but particularly for those who face additional barriers or need more support to help them to progress into employment.
"The one to one business support, mentoring from an industry expert, free workspace and funding of up to £2,014 that Beyond the Finish Line offers, will be invaluable to the young people."
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