Young Cumbrian Entrepreneurs Showcase Innovative Businesses Through Positive Enterprise Programme

Young entrepreneurs from Furness and West Cumbria have celebrated the success of the Positive Enterprise programme, turning creative business ideas into thriving ventures with mentoring and funding support.

A new generation of young entrepreneurs in Cumbria is proving that great business ideas can come from anywhere, with ventures ranging from AI-powered technology and sustainable furniture restoration to authentic Nigerian cuisine and creative fashion design.

Fifteen aspiring business owners aged between 14 and 25 from Furness and West Cumbria celebrated the success of the Positive Enterprise programme this week after spending the past six months developing their businesses with expert mentoring, practical training and financial support.

Run by Cumbria Community Foundation in partnership with the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP), the programme was designed to help young people transform promising ideas into viable businesses. Each participant received a £1,000 start-up grant earlier this year, enabling them to launch or expand ventures as diverse as pet photography, mobile make-up services, fragrances inspired by the scents of Cumbria, gutter cleaning, AI virtual assistants and specialist food businesses.

The programme culminated in celebration events at the Carnegie Theatre in Workington and The Bridge in Barrow, where participants presented their business journeys, sharing both their achievements and the challenges they had overcome.

In West Cumbria, 21-year-old Maria Ferreira from Workington impressed judges with her business, Ferrocious Furniture, which restores and reupholsters unwanted furniture. She received an additional £1,000 investment, which she plans to use to run workshops teaching others how to upcycle household items instead of throwing them away.

Maria said she hopes to inspire more people to see creative careers as a genuine possibility, particularly in areas where opportunities can feel limited. Her mentor, Rachel Stewart, praised her determination and described the mentoring experience as a rewarding team effort.

Runner-up Holly Chamberlain, 20, from Cockermouth, received £500 for her sewing and knitting pattern business, Un Petit Rêve, where she designs clothing, creates knitting patterns and hosts workshops encouraging others to develop crafting skills.

Meanwhile, the programme expanded into Furness for the first time this year. Barrow entrepreneur Travis Drake secured the top award of £1,000 for Buzz Trackers, an innovative device designed to help people locate frequently misplaced items such as television remote controls. Travis credited both the funding and the guidance of his mentor, James Batchelor, with helping him refine his business ideas.

The Furness runner-up was 18-year-old Rukky Jokoh, whose business Rukky's Naija Hub brings authentic Nigerian food to local customers. She said the programme had enabled her to transform a personal passion into a sustainable business.

The Positive Enterprise initiative is now in its fourth year in West Cumbria and made its Furness debut in 2026. Funding has come from organisations including Sellafield Ltd, the Printers Inc Social Mobility Fund, Thomas Graham & Sons Ltd, private donors and supporters committed to improving opportunities for young people across the region.

Beyond financial backing, participants benefited from experienced business mentors, leadership training and practical workshops covering essential entrepreneurial skills including negotiation, time management and business planning.

Organisers believe the programme continues to grow in both quality and impact, helping ambitious young people gain the confidence, networks and experience needed to build successful futures.

Applications for the 2027 Positive Enterprise programme will open later this year, with opportunities available for both aspiring entrepreneurs and volunteer business mentors.

For readers interested in taking part or volunteering as a mentor, more information about the Positive Enterprise programme is available from Cumbria Community Foundation. https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/positiveenterprise

Young entrepreneur programme launches in Furness

Young entrepreneurs taking their first steps in business have been selected for an exciting new programme to help them bring their plans to life.

Six young people, aged between 15 and 24 from across Furness, have been awarded a place on Positive Enterprise, run by Cumbria Community Foundation and the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP).

Their innovative business ideas range from selling African food and pizzas, to photography and make-up services.

Each participant will receive a £1,000 grant, plus workshops, expert advice, and the opportunity to shadow local entrepreneurs.

They will also be paired with an experienced businessperson to act as a mentor and guide them through highs and lows of running their own business.

The programme has run successfully in West Cumbria for the past three years and is expanding into Furness for the first time for 2026. It was launched at The Bridge in Barrow on 12 February, where participants and their families, mentors and organisers had chance to get to know each other and hear about previous success stories.

The programme is delivered by CforLP. Project Lead Rhianna Smith told That's Business: “Positive Enterprise doesn't just focus on the business outcomes, the real impact is long-term – supporting participants to build confidence, resilience and essential skills that shape their futures. 

"We are really excited to run the programme in Furness for the first time, and very impressed with the broad and creative range of their business ideas that reflect their different experiences, interests and ambitions.”

Positive Enterprise in Furness is funded by the Printers Inc Social Mobility Fund and individual donor Jan Ambler. Mrs Ambler explained what led her to support the programme.

“My husband came from a very poor background and appreciated the advice he got when starting out in business. We have always been interested in helping young people, especially those who do not have the same opportunities as others. Everyone deserves an equal chance.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Positive Enterprise has a fantastic track record of delivering practical support and advice to young people starting out in business. There are so many success stories from the first three years of the programme – not only in terms of the number of businesses still going from strength to strength, but the confidence and life skills it has given those taking part.

“We are delighted to be able to offer the programme in Furness for the first time and are very grateful to the funders and mentors giving up their time to share their skills and experience.”

James Batchelor MBE, founder of Alertacall, has been a mentor on the programme for the past three years. He is encouraging others to sign up as mentors too.

"One of the most powerful ways you can have a positive impact across a community is to lend support to a young person trying to start their own venture,” James said. 

“You'll improve their skills, confidence and capabilities, and if their venture succeeds, they will go on to have a positive impact on countless other people. Your life experiences shared and your encouragement just a few hours a month is all that many brilliant young people in Cumbria need, and the truth is you'll also have fun and meet brilliant people.

“If you're considering youth mentorship, the Positive Enterprise programme is one of the easiest ways to get involved in Cumbria because all the participants benefit from brilliant leadership training and other wraparound support which truly maximises their chance of success. Go for it!"

To get involved with Positive Enterprise in Furness, either as a participant or mentor, please contact Rhianna Smith at CfLP on 07949 642598 or email rhianna.smith@cforlp.org.uk.

For more information visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/positive-enterprise