Those under 25 are almost four times more likely to be unemployed than older generations so O2, the mobile phone operator, has introduced a "think big" programme to boost young people's entrepreneurial skills.
"Think big" offers opportunities based around an awards scheme: over four years, in collaboration with youth organisations, O2 has awarded grants each worth £300 to over 5,000 young people.
From homework clubs to community radio stations, anti-violence campaigns to recycling initiatives, "think big" offers young people the chance to take action on the issues that matter to them.
The company encourages development as social entrepreneurs by offering further funding of up to £2,500 to grow their ideas and take their projects to the next level. Additionally, it provides leadership training and mentoring support to hone entrepreneurial skills.
The initiative is growing: in partnership with UnLtd, O2 has also awarded 21 grants of up to £10,000 to help grow social ventures.
An independent evaluation has confirmed that the project is as socially inclusive as it was intended to be, reaching ethnic minority groups, disabled young people and the most deprived. The programme has been rolled out to O2's other European markets.
Nicolette Fox is part of the wordworks network
The Guardian Sustainable Business Sustainability Case Studies contain articles on all the initiatives that met the criteria for the GSB Awards.
