Budding, young entrepreneurs from Barking and Dagenham are getting support from a local organisation to develop their business ideas with the aim of hopefully launching them.

JDS has been commissioned by Barking and Dagenham Council to run the initiative, which has seen 20 young people aged between 14-25 sign up.

In November, interested young people took part in a Dragon’s Den style event to pitch their business ideas. The young people are now receiving mentoring sessions on their ideas including workshops and weekly plans. 

Some business ideas include launching a clothing range and writing and publishing a book.

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “Our young people are always full of amazing ideas and initiatives like this give them a great opportunity to express themselves.

“This is invaluable experience for them, learning and getting advice from professionals and I want to really encourage them to take it all in.”

The initiative will run until Sunday 31 March and at the end, 10 of the young people will receive direct support to launch their start-up business.

JDS is just one of many services that the council commissions to provide activities and opportunities for young people from the borough.