AN initiative to support voluntary and community groups in areas of enter-prise, financial education and employment is now open to applications.
The Ulster Bank 2014 Community Impact Rind of 2250,000, awards individual grants of £1,000 to 235,000 for projects in relation to enterprise creation, financial education and employability initiatives.
Last year the inaugural fund, rim in partnership with The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, was awarded to 25 community groups, including Young Enterprise NI and Portadown based Richmount Rural Community Association.
Young Enterprise NI (YENI) received a grant of £27,200 to help deliver its ‘QuickStart project to provide students aged 14-16 with their first opportunity to set up and run a real company over a 10 week period.
Carol Fitzsimons from YEN! stated: “The financial support of Ulster Bank has been vital for the growth of the Young Enterprise QuickStart programme across Northern Ireland.
As a result of this support, over 1,000 young people aged 14-15 had the opportunity to set up and run their own business this year, gaining vital business skills they will take forward with them into the future.”
Speaking at the launch, Ulster Bank chairman Dr Philip Nolan said. “Once again, the fund will enable voluntary organisations to enhance financial education programmes and foster enterprise, creating a more vibrant and progressive economy.”
Eamonn Donaghy, fund development manager at The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, added: “In its first year, the Community Impact Fund had a real and tangible impact on a range of voluntary and community organisations across Northern Ireland, by enabling them to develop financial education and enterprise creation initiatives.”
The dosing date for applications ‘ May 23 and successful organisation will be informed in September.
For further information and to apply visit www.communityfoundationni.org.
Meanwhile, the Southern Regional College in partnership with CITE-Construction Skills NI is preparing to host the SkillbuildNI 2014 National Finals next week.
Held at the college’s Greenbank campus in Newry on May 7 and 8, the even aims to find the best young talent in construction industries in Northern Ireland.
The 94 finalists will compete in construction craft areas including brick work, floor and wall tiling, carpentry and Joinery, and electrical installation, with the best being selected to go forward to compete at National and World skills level.
Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry said: “Skills competitions are an excellent way to show our vocational skills.
“They provide an opportunity for local young people to demonstrate the world that Northern Ireland has workforce with the high levels of ski and training required to compete in global economy and meet the economic challenges which lie ahead.”