The news
The COSARAF Foundation is proud to partner with The King’s Trust to support the Enterprise Programme, a life-changing initiative helping young people overcome barriers and achieve entrepreneurial success. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to empowering individuals, driving economic growth, and fostering community development.
Impact in Numbers
Since April 2024, the programme has seen remarkable achievements:
- 353 new business starts, an increase of 60% from the same period last year.
- 56 young people launched business ideas in September 2024 alone, compared to 31 in 2023—an 81% rise.
- Over 92% of participants testing their business ideas expressed plans to continue pursuing them.
These statistics reflect the programme’s growing reach and effectiveness in equipping young people with the skills, resources, and confidence to transform their ideas into reality.
Stories of Transformation
The Enterprise Programme has empowered many remarkable individuals, including:
- Alycia Hirani, a bespoke designer in Cardiff who turned her passion for couture into a thriving business, Emiah. Despite living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Alycia continues to challenge ableism, creating opportunities for herself and inspiring others.
- Jess Knights, an illustrator in Bristol who found clarity and confidence through the programme. Jess’s journey from a stressful 9-to-5 job to running her business, Jess Knights Creative, highlights how tailored support can transform lives.
Fostering Sustainable Change
The programme’s reach extends beyond immediate beneficiaries:
- It contributes to local economic growth by creating jobs and fostering innovation.
- Participants become role models, inspiring others to pursue entrepreneurship.
- Businesses like Femwear, a sustainable clothing brand addressing women’s health needs, illustrate how social impact and entrepreneurship intersect.
Looking Ahead
The King’s Trust continues to evolve its support, offering flexible, modular workshops and mentorship tailored to individual needs. Initiatives like Business Advance provide ongoing support for up to three years, ensuring young entrepreneurs sustain and grow their ventures.
A Shared Vision
This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration. Together, we are creating opportunities, building resilient communities, and empowering the next generation of leaders.
