Young people in North Belfast are set to start a social enterprise through the new Impact Academy that started on Tuesday 21^st July at the North Belfast Social Enterprise Hub.

The Ashton Community Trust in partnership with the hub, entrepreneurship skills charity Young Enterprise and FabLab Belfast has launched the initiative giving young people the opportunity to tackle a social issue in their community while gaining skills for life and work through a summer-long entrepreneurship programme.

The six young people kicked off the intensive programme in July and will have the opportunity to create a product with FabLab Belfast and a business plan with the support of Young Enterprise business volunteers.

The programme targeting 17-23 year olds is set to enhance the skills and aspirations of those taking part while providing real experience of business that will support them through their future in education and in work.

They’re aiming to have a fully-fledged company ready for launch at a special sales event, open to the public, at the Kennedy Centre on Wednesday 12^th August from 10:00-12:30.

-ENDS-

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Notes to editors:
Young Enterprise is a company limited by guarantee and is a registered charity.  The organisation operates under licence to Young Enterprise UK, and is part of Junior Achievement – Young Enterprise (JAYE) globally, with a purpose to inspire young people to engage in enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Young Enterprise NI media contact:
Alastair Luke, Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Young Enterprise NI
Tel: 028 9032 7003     Email: alastair.luke@yeni.co.uk     Twitter: @YE_NI