Many people have a charity that is particularly close to their hearts. For me, it’s definitely The Prince’s Trust. Not only is it an incredible charity in its own right, but it also helped me set up my very first business over 20 years ago.

My journey towards a career in business started with a container of second-hand bicycles. I bought the lot and sold them off, realising that I had a knack for selling and turning a profit in the process. For my next business venture, however, I wanted to take it up a notch and found my own telecoms company. I had the drive and the vision. The only problem? A lack of funds to turn this dream into reality.

 

And that’s when I turned to The Prince’s Trust. I was lucky enough to take part in their Enterprise Programme, which offered mentoring and business advice, as well as a £1,000 grant to get started.

Fast forward to the present and I’ve continued to build on this experience, founding several of my own businesses and investing in many more. Yet I’ve never forgotten the help and support The Prince’s Trust gave me when I was starting out.

That’s why I decided to become a Prince’s Trust Ambassador and mentor back in 2005. It’s an honour to be able to give back to this amazing charity that helped to transform my life- and to pass on some of this success to the entrepreneurs and business people of tomorrow.

 

‘Last year, The Prince’s Trust supported 71,724 young people across the UK. Of these, 76% took a positive step forward to secure a job, re-engage with education or training, launch their own business, or start volunteering.’

 

Without the support of the Prince’s Trust, there’s a good chance I wouldn’t be where I am today- and continuing to support this inspiring organisation will hopefully see more businesses like mine grow from this support and mentorship. Our future businessmen and women sometimes only need the smallest bit of encouragement and support to forge on with exciting new ideas.

 

‘Over the last 14 years, Matt has helped enabled young people to channel their entrepreneurial spirit, pursue their dreams of business ownership, build their aspiration levels, develop their skillset and for some, simply provide them with the confidence and belief to leave the house.”

 

I would strongly encourage all young people to check out The Prince’s Trust. Whether you’re looking to get a business off the ground, develop new skills or enter the world of work, this organisation may just be able to help you take the next steps on your journey.

 

To read more about the amazing work of the Prince’s Trust, read their newsletter here.

 

Matt Newing is a self-made entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist who’s always on the lookout for the latest and greatest business opportunities. If you have a business that needs taking to the next level, get in touch with Matt today.