Community Learning and Development Device Fund 2022 (360G-SCVO-a133z00000I3x2xAAB)

We are applying for funding to buy 2 Digital Screens, I-pads and other digital equipment to support Square Go, a brand new, highly supportive enterprise learning project for disadvantaged young people at the YE Scotland Rouken Glen Park Training Centre in Glasgow. The new project will provide, free of charge, a physical space as well as targeted enterprise support to allow disadvantaged young people to have a ‘Square Go’ at bringing their business idea to life. 5 young entrepreneurs will take up residence in the new Square Go entrepreneurial hub and receive support in the first year to set up a business. We have already secured capital funding from East Renfrewshire Council to build the unique ‘Square Go’ ‘village square’ enterprise hub, which will provide each young entrepreneur with their own pod space to learn and to develop and grow their business. The build is currently underway and due to be complete by end of September 2022.The young entrepreneurs will benefit from 1-2-1 mentoring from the YE Scotland team and our wider network of business volunteers who will help them to undertake training courses and to develop their practical and personal skills. They will also be supported with well-being to help them successfully navigate the challenges of a first year in business. ‘Square Go’ has been set up in recognition of the barriers that young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds face in starting a business. Schools, teachers, and young people themselves have told us that there can be barriers to accessing the more traditional avenues for business support for those from the most disadvantaged groups. There is a need for a more nurturing project which offers early-stage enterprise idea support alongside practical, employability and life-skills learning support.The project will also support an additional 20 young people per week to take part in practical employability/enterprise learning sessions, taking inspiration from the young entrepreneurs in residence. The Digital screens will provide an essential part of the young people’s training, integrating with the I-Pads and existing laptops we have. This will provide a state-of-the-art digital experience which is essential to gain their engagement. Demonstrating the capabilities they have at their fingertips digitally will help inspire them to learn and engage with further education. Young people will also be able to use the new equipment to gain the accredited qualifications that we offer – either an SCQF Level 3 Enterprise qualification or SQA Employability qualification.The new equipment, will also be widely used by local community groups and local schools who regularly visit and use our inspiring environment to teach. With the new Square Go premises, we expect this community usage to increase further in the coming months.The digital smart boards will be installed in the new Square Go premises and all other devices will also remain at our Training Centre and be available as part of a suite of learning resources for our young people and the wider local community to use for years to come. They will remain the property of YE Scotland.