18.04.2024

Youth organisation first to benefit from new community fund

Inspire 2 Ignite CIC, a Cambridge-based organisation focused on helping young people aged 12 to 24 who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training), has successfully applied for funding to deliver a number of initiatives encouraging young people to take their first steps into entrepreneurship with confidence.

The group applied to Durkan Homes’ just-launched Community Fund, a new scheme in Cambridgeshire set up by the leading regional and family-owned housebuilder to support organisations and groups local to its new homes sites. Durkan Homes is asking organisations and charities in Cambridgeshire to consider its fund if they need support.

With the funding, Inspire 2 Ignite CIC is delivering three bespoke programmes for young Cambridgeshire entrepreneurs, with the first already completed. The campaign saw a young team learn about the journey to building a business in the setting of St Neots Farmers Market. The group took on an Apprentice-style challenge, looking at product selection, customer engagement, financial management and market presence. The work culminated in a busy day of trading, giving the team hugely valuable real world business experience that will help set them on the path to a successful career.

Young entrepreneurs will next be working with charity St Neots Initiative to develop solutions to local community issues, and will then take on the challenge of building and marketing a new ice cream brand. The focus is on building confidence and business know-how.

Durkan Homes’ Community Fund offers financial support to eligible applicants in Cambridgeshire who are delivering work or specific projects that benefit their local communities. The fund, which is now open for applications, is part of an ongoing commitment from Durkan Homes to support local charities, organisations and not-for-profit groups.

To learn more about the eligibility criteria and how to apply, anyone interested should visit: https://www.durkan.co.uk/community-fund/

Sam Squire, CEO of Inspire 2 Ignite CIC, said: “We are deeply grateful for Durkan Homes’ generous support through their Community Fund which has been instrumental in delivering our innovative programmes for young people in Cambridgeshire. This funding not only helps us to ignite the spark of entrepreneurship in young people, but also equips them with the confidence and skills needed to succeed.”

Bill Beyzade, Managing Director of Housebuilding at Durkan Homes, said: “A big focus for us is making sure we enhance the communities we build in, leaving a lasting positive legacy beyond just the high-quality homes we’re creating. That’s why we’ve launched this fund in Cambridgeshire, and we’re really proud that Inspire 2 Ignite CIC has benefited and delivered something hugely valuable for the local community.

“Through our new fund, we can help organisations access funding that will ensure local initiatives make a difference to individuals and groups within the community. From education and sports, to society and nature, we’re interested in supporting a range of good causes. If you think we can help you, please read our information online and find out how to apply.”

To find out more about where Durkan’s developments in Cambridgeshire are, visit: www.durkan.co.uk/all-developments

Front is Alex Hughes, Inspire 2 Ignite Founder, Left is Sam Squire, Inspire 2 Ignite CEO, Back, Alex Richards, Entrepreneur/Inspire 2 Ignite Community Manager &

Right, Bo–Entrepreneur/Programme facilitator