Farhad Gohar and Jaiden Corfield know firsthand the impact that funding from the charity can have on your life – with Farhad receiving funding in the past, and Jaiden acting as a consultant for the charity.
Farhad, 20, is a student and the founder of Potential, a project which mentors and supports young people at risk of joining gangs or of exclusion from school to develop entrepreneurship skills and create legitimate enterprises.
“I grew up in a world where drug dealers were the only successful entrepreneurs I saw. I knew I had to change this narrative, and help them see another way in order to save their and others lives.”
Former activist and social entrepreneur Jaiden, 22, from Salford, now works as a consultant with charities in the social impact sector and is a Spark Awards Champion.
“Young people have an incredible capacity to deliver change, especially for each other. They often think beyond the system and lean into the realities of their peers. This is what leads to the hopeful and transformative shifts that we so desperately need. These awards are a powerful step to supporting them to lead and inspire a better future.”
Big Change was founded by Holly Branson and friends in 2012. The Spark Awards aim to equip young people, those closest to the challenges they seek to address, with the resources, mentorship, and personal development opportunities needed to reimagine the future.
Young changemakers in England are being encouraged to apply for funding and support this year, where up to ten young entrepreneurs or teams aged 18-25 could receive a grant of up to £40,000 to bring their big idea to life – plus a training and support package worth up to £10,000.
Holly Branson, founder and trustee of Big Change, and Chief Purpose and Vision Officer at Virgin Group said:
“Big Change is committed to empowering a new generation of young leaders with bold, innovative ideas and projects that tackle the challenges many young people face today. We are thrilled to launch the Spark Awards, providing an opportunity for changemakers aged 18 to 25 to bring their ideas to life, with support every step of the way.”
Essie North, CEO of Big Change, said:
“Young people want to be a part of the solution – they have brilliant ideas and projects but too often struggle to get taken seriously or have access to funding and networks to make change a reality. Yet when so many young people are feeling disconnected, powerless and unprepared for their futures we know our current models and systems are failing them.
“The Spark Awards exist to change this. By investing in visionary young leaders who can challenge the status quo, reimagine their futures, and drive the powerful, systemic changes needed to create a world where all young people can truly thrive. We are really excited about this and can’t wait to see what exciting, changemaking applications we get. ”
To find out more about the Spark Awards and check if you’re eligible to apply, visit www.big-change.org/spark-awards.
