New county council grant helping schools 'Build a Business Network'

Support from the business community is proving strong for new grants aimed at helping schools develop business networks to improve the employability skills of young people - and increase job opportunities. 

The Build a Business Network grant scheme has been created by Warwickshire County Council to ease access for schools to funding of up to £3,000 to help them establish mutually fruitful networks with local firms.

The grant has been created in response to feedback from schools and businesses which say they need more advice and support to understand the benefits of working together and the best options for collaborating.

Paul Miles Rogers, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses Warwickshire and Coventry said: “One of the key objectives of the FSB is to get young people interested in business and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

"We want to see more business leaders developing close links with their local schools and colleges. The benefits are clear, not only for students but also firms that engage with schools because it can provide a valuable recruitment-channel. Work-experience, inspiring careers guidance and regular contact with local businesses will help more pupils acquire the skills they need to be workforce-ready.

"Warwickshire County Council’s Build a Business Network grant will help inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to give business a go.”

The grants will enable schools to commission an organisation such as the Chamber of Commerce to create and facilitate a business network between schools and local firms.

The grant guidance and application form are available here:
Build a Business Network Grant Guidance 
Build a Business Network Grant Application Form

Applications can be made until 30 September 2016.