Young Enterprise Scotland

Young people who have gone through the YES ‘Maximise’ (Positive Destinations) Programme had the chance to celebrate recently.

Members of ‘Cupz ‘n’ Cardz’ each received a framed certificate in recognition of their completion of the YES 'Programme which involves young people going through the 10 key steps of setting up and running their own business.

Cupz ‘n’ Cardz sold a selection of cards and gifts, and targeted their selling at key occasions such as Christmas and Valentine’s day.

Despite its short time in operation, the company made a fantastic 200% profit over only 2 sales runs!

The certificates were presented at a Celebration Day on 25 February 2009, attended by representatives from YES and Quarriers who worked in partnership to support the group of young people.

David, Designer and Sales (above) said “I’ve really enjoyed it.  It’s a great programme, I would recommend it to anyone”.

Above, Gary (Deputy Manager) receives his certificate.  Below - Stacey (Company Accountant) receiving her certificate from Nichola Shearer, YES.

The members of Cupz ‘n’ Cardz had the chance to participate in the Programme at a key stage in their leaving care.  The programme runs over a period of 13 weeks and involves the young people committing to attend twice a week.  All members are now looking forward to ‘maximising’ their own future potential – whether through applying to a college course, finding a new flat or securing employment!

YES was the only Scottish organisation to receive funding from BBC Children in Need and The Hunter Foundation for the “Positive Destinations project” to work with young people in and leaving care.  The programme is run in partnership with other organisations such as Quarriers and is shortly to be rolled out to run with other partners across Scotland.

Cupz ‘n’ Cardz is the only company so far to negotiate its start-up loan with YES and to volunteer to pay it back in stages!

Of the 200% profits, the members decided to donate 20% to charity.

In a heartfelt conclusion, Stacey, Company Accountant, said “we have decided that the charity we want to donate our profits to is the Young Enterprise Scotland charity”.

Cupz ‘n’ Cardz were Ricky, Managing Director, Gary, Deputy Manager, Stacey, Company Accountant and David, Designer and Sales. 

Well done to all members of the team and we wish them every future success.