Young Costessey woman beats dole queue - thanks to Prince’s Trust

A Costessey woman has beaten the dole queue by setting up her own cafe - thanks to a �4,000 grant from the Prince's Trust.

Chantelle Schlomann, 24, set up Posh Nosh Cafe, in Catton Grove Road, Norwich, in July, and celebrated three months in business last weekend.

The Prince's Trust Explore Enterprise programme supports unemployed young people aged 16-25 in exploring the idea of becoming self-employed, whether they have a business idea in mind or are simply interested in learning more.

Miss Schlomann said: 'A few of my friends told me about the Prince's Trust and I looked it up on the computer. I did not realise that the trust was out there to help young people set up their own businesses.

'They put me on this course and I had to come up with a business plan and then I was awarded the �4,000, which is the maximum they can grant.'

She said the cafe was doing well and had been backed by people in the area. She added: 'I knew I was taking a risk setting up the business, but I much prefer it to working in an office, which I had done before.'

Graham Ball, regional director for The Prince's Trust in the East of England, said: 'The growing success of our Enterprise programme shows that young people in Norfolk are very entrepreneurial. Now we need further funds to support more young people across the region. This support will help vulnerable young people escape long-term unemployment and poverty, as well as boosting the local economy and reducing the benefits bill.'

For more information visit www.princes-trust.org.uk or call 0800 842842.

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