Waverley Borough Council is providing a financial boost to the youngest members of the local community with a grant to help fund young entrepreneurs aged seven to 17 launch their own businesses in Farnham and Guildford this Spring at Children's Business Fairs.
Councillor Liz Townsend, Waverley’s Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development, says: “We are supporting our youngest entrepreneurs with a grant which will enable three young people to take part in the Farnham and Guildford Children’s Business Fairs and also to provide for extra promotion of the fairs.
“As our town centres recover from the impact of COVID-19 and respond to changes in shopping habits, it’s vital that we provide opportunities for our future young businesspeople to get hands-on experience. Fairs and markets are also excellent ways of encouraging people into our town centres, spending money locally and rediscovering the enjoyment of face-to-face shopping,” says Councillor Townsend.
This latest funding is part of the wider work of Waverley Borough Council to support the local economy, particularly small and independent businesses. Increasing footfall in town centres can have a ripple effect of prompting shoppers to spend in other local businesses and of attracting new visitors to town centres, both of which are key to revitalising local high streets and shopping centres.
“We want to play our part in encouraging the next generation of entrepreneurs in Waverley, particularly by enabling young people to participate in the fair who might not otherwise have had the resources to do so,” says Councillor Townsend.
There are two local fairs planned so far [with talk of more on the way]. The Guildford Children’s Business Fair will take place on Saturday 26 March in Guildford High Street. On Saturday 2 April, Farnham Maltings will host the Farnham Children’s Business Fair.
To take part in the fairs, young people need to develop a business idea, consider how to make a profit and plan their marketing. They will get experience of interacting with customers and the thrill of making a sale. Further information is available on the Children’s Business Fair website at www.childrensbusinessfair.co.uk.