Entrepreneur Jon Redding, of Octopus Computers in Uppingham, offers 50 young people mentoring scheme to start their own businesses

If you’re a young person with a keen eye on launching a business, a rare and valuable mentoring opportunity has become available.

The chance to get support in your venture and learn from more experienced entrepreneurs is on offer – for free.

Forge50 is a programme being launched at The Wisteria Hotel in Oakham this summer.

It’s available for 50 people aged between 18 and 25, although those aged 16 to 17 or over 25 who are neurodivergent or from underserved backgrounds will also be considered. Forge50 says it might particularly suit young people who don’t fit into the traditional educational mould.

The programme is the idea of Jon Redding, of Uppingham firm Octopus Computers, who refers to himself as “a serial entrepreneur with a passion for empowering non-traditional thinkers”.

He said: “I am doing this as I feel that education isn’t catering to people who want to start their own business. It gives children two routes - get a job or continue into higher education. Nobody suggests that they create jobs.”

Forge50 is looking for ambitious, committed young people so the application process reflects that.

Those successful will initially get an intensive eight-week full-time course of workshops, role play and insights from guest speakers. There is a different person every day with lots of local business owners committing to take part as speakers, mentors or investors.

The next phase is two years of mentorship with seasoned business leaders able to offer guidance and support aimed at growing the young person’s business.

Beyond that is ongoing business community support and networking events.

Jon said: “If the programme is successful, I will have been able to create 50 new companies in the region, ideally with each of them achieving at least £100,000 in revenue and contributing £5m to the local economy each year.”

Forge50 says it wants to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills and confidence to transform their ideas into impactful businesses. And all at no cost to the participant.

Jon says he has an idea to monetise the programme in the future but it will always remain free of charge for learners.

“I’ve got 35 guest speakers, 45 business leaders and 20 investors involved so far. The business community support – which has all come from the Greater Stamford and Rutland regions – has been amazing and I’m really looking forward to getting started,” he added.

The programme is due to start in mid-July so early applications are encouraged.

To find out more about the programme and to apply, visit forge50.com