During lockdown in 2020 The Kent Foundation wanted to start telling the stories of local businesses, their owners, and their business mentors, allowing listeners to get to know who is behind these businesses, as well as passing on top business tips and advice for local young people - inspiring and empowering them to set up their own companies. We've created a few simple recordings, inviting our mentees to host to test the idea and got great feedback but to do this properly for the future, we need to purchase a new computer, recorder, microphones, headphones and software. As well as giving our community listeners a more professional output, with the right equipment we can then offer for young people to come in and volunteer with the recording and production process. This will create opportunities for them to gain new skills, forge new friendships and feel more engaged with their local community.

What we'll deliver:

• Showcase 2 Kent based young entrepreneurs every month
• Regular business advise and support
• Opportunity for promoting relevant events for business owners

Why it's a great idea:

It can be really tough starting a new business, and in particular, for a young person in business it can be even harder. Creating this platform for young people in business to have a greater voice and promote themselves, engage with listeners that might not of heard of them and their businesses, and share their own stories is essential for them to grow within our community. The opportunity to volunteer on the podcast, using the equipment and to learn how to talk about what they do is hugely valuable and also for our listeners over the county to be better informed about what it is like for a young person to be in business, as well as inspire future generations. It will encourage listeners to support Kent based businesses and also raise awareness of the incredible businesses that are started every year by young people in Kent. The Kent Foundations Podcast aim is to educate, inform and inspire and make Kent an even great place to start and grow a business.

Steps to get it done:

• To stream 2 podcasts per month

The Kent Foundation currently supports over 120 young people in business, and over the last 12 months generated over £4m in sales. Through our volunteer business mentoring service, start-up businesses in Kent have not only navigated the challenges COVID-19 has set, but also grown many businesses into successful enterprises.