EEDA - Case Study - Eco-hub for disadvantaged entrepreneurs

Eco-hub for disadvantaged entrepreneurs

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Eco-hub for disadvantaged entrepreneurs

Southend eco-hub

ERDF grant helps 'Eco-Hub' support disadvantaged young people in start-up mode
Converted stable block provides business units and workshops for social entrepreneurs/SME’s
Green building design an excellent showcase for the refurbishment sector

A grant of £307,224 from EEDA’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has been used by Southend YMCA to transform a former stable block into an exciting, low carbon 'Eco-hub'. Comprising workspace units, meeting rooms and conference facilities, the Eco-hub will house fledgling business start ups run by disadvantaged young people living in the Southend area. The refurbishment also demonstrates excellence in green building design, and will be used to encourage the adoption of green business practices.

The Eco-hub is designed to address a growing problem, as CEO Syrie Cox explains: 'For many years we have supported disadvantaged young people, typically aged between 16 and 25. They often have quite complex needs - they might be homeless, for example, come from very difficult backgrounds, or have not succeeded in mainstream education. Although we can help with housing, education and CV building, we realized that this group also suffers real economic exclusion – and that this exclusion can be life long. However, although Southend has a high entrepreneurial culture, it also has a higher than average business failure rate. The idea behind the Eco-hub was to provide a low cost, supportive environment where these young people could start a business venture, helping them progress towards economic independence and contribute towards the local community. The emphasis on low carbon also meant that we could bring together our other 'green' initiatives in one specific project.'

3 March 2011