The We Rise youth movement is empowering young residents to start their own business.
We Rise helps remove barriers to jobs and skills for 16 to 25-year-olds. Originally set-up in Canvey Island in 2023, it is now expanding across south Essex.
The movement is funding a second round of places for young people in Basildon and Castle Point on an Earniversity course. The course will teach them the skills they need to turn their business dreams into reality.
It is open to 13 to 25-year-olds and starts on Monday 4 November. It will be held online in the evenings to make it easy for those balancing education, training or work.
Young people can complete the online form to secure a place, which are limited.
Over the summer, 19 young residents participated in the first round. The course:
- helped them earn £3,000 by launching their own businesses - from website design to dog walking
- boosted their confidence and helped them feel comfortable speaking to others
- inspired the young people, with 73% of the young entrepreneurs wanting to join more courses by Earniversity
One participant shared: “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the tips and information were incredibly useful. The flexibility of online sessions meant I could fit it around my other commitments. I started freelancing and earned over £1,000 in just four weeks!”
For more information about We Rise, email Louise.fry@essex.gov.uk