Broadband provider backs young entrepreneurs with digital inclusion grants
SUPPORT: An MC4C Business Advisor explaining about the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank (JCYEB) to two young people
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Rural broadband provider Quickline has announced a new partnership with the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank (JCYEB) to support digital inclusion and youth entrepreneurship across East Yorkshire.
The two-year partnership forms part of Quickline’s wider commitment to Project Gigabit, the Government programme aimed at enabling hard‑to‑reach and rural communities to access fast, reliable gigabit‑capable broadband.
Through the partnership, digital inclusion grants of up to £1,000 will be made available to young entrepreneurs aged 16 to 29 who live in the East Riding. The funding is designed to help remove digital barriers, enabling young people to start, sustain and grow their businesses.
The initiative will be delivered by JCYEB, working alongside partners including East Riding Council, Yorkshire in Business, C4DI, Hull City Council’s MC4C programme and the Smile Foundation.
Liz Barclay, patron of the JCYEB and Institute of Directors special adviser on small business and entrepreneurship, said: “We are delighted to be working with Quickline, who have provided this funding to enable us to support aspiring young entrepreneurs in our communities across the East Riding.
“We will be working with our colleagues in East Riding Council, Yorkshire in Business, C4DI, Hull City Council’s MC4C programme and the Smile Foundation, all of whom have supported our commitment to youth entrepreneurship and enterprise skills.
“We urge young people aged 16 to 29 who have a business idea and live in the East Riding to speak to us about the support available, and particularly those in rural communities to find out more about our new digital inclusion grants.
PARTNERSHIP: Rachel Bowerman, social value manager at Quickline
“This partnership with Quickline is integral to our commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship.”
Councillor Victoria Aitken, East Riding Council cabinet member for children, families and education, said: “Supporting our residents to be digitally connected is a priority for East Riding Council.
“We welcome this partnership between Quickline and JCYEB to support digital inclusion for aspiring young entrepreneurs across the East Riding.
“The JCYEB has a strong track record of supporting young entrepreneurs, working with our business support and skills colleagues to help young people reach their full potential.
“It is also brilliant to see the JCYEB working with Yorkshire in Business, the Smile Foundation and C4DI to promote this fund, which will help address digital exclusion and support enterprise.”
Rachel Bowerman, social value Manager at Quickline, added: “At Quickline, we believe access to fast, reliable broadband plays a vital role in creating opportunity and supporting economic growth, particularly in rural and hard‑to‑reach communities.
“This partnership allows us to support young entrepreneurs directly, helping them overcome digital barriers and giving them the tools they need to succeed.
“It’s a strong example of how our build under Project Gigabit can deliver lasting social value.”