Recipient of the fund
"Being able to do this apprenticeship has helped hugely with my business planning. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to network with my peers on the course.
I’ve done a lot of applications for funding, but this one was really easy. If the fund didn’t exist, I could never have done this apprenticeship. I had been put off doing a post-graduate degree because of the funding. As this apprenticeship is 100% funded, it makes such a difference to my small organisation as it can often be very difficult to find the necessary funding.
Doing this apprenticeship has managed to address my skills gaps and has given me strategic opportunities and self-development, which has helped me to grow in confidence. I now think of myself as a business leader rather than someone who has just fallen into running a business.
So far, I have learned so much, for example, internal reflection, how to make my social enterprise bigger, how to implement a business plan and understanding the difference between strategic decisions and normal decisions. Doing an apprenticeship makes sense as I can apply everything I learn to my business. I can use it for my staff, volunteers, and for the future of the business. It is designed for people like me who are working - it is flexible and you can manage your time accordingly.
Thank you very much for this opportunity. It’s great that these businesses have used their money and enabled people like me and my organisation to grow. I would love to give something back and employ an apprentice myself in the future.”