FROME woman, Jessica Silver, has graduated from the Lloyds Bank social entrepreneurs programme. The scheme is in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs and jointly funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
The year-long programme equips entrepreneurs with the skills to grow a social business to help solve some of the most pressing social issues within their communities. The entrepreneurs on the Start Up and Scale Up programmes each receive financial support (grants of up to £10,000), a comprehensive learning programme with the School for Social Entrepreneurs, and a Lloyds Banking Group business mentor.
Jessica has graduated from the Start Up Bristol 2016 programme and is the founder of a social enterprise that provides an art group for adults with learning disabilities (AwLD) in Frome, which will support members to create, exhibit and sell their artwork.
Jessica said, “The grant and support received from Lloyds Bank School for Social Entrepreneurs has been integral to starting Artbox Frome. It has enabled me to set up and start providing meaningful opportunities in the arts for people with learning disabilities, fulfilling a need for greater community inclusion. With the grant I have purchased equipment which will enable Artbox Frome to generate an income to become more sustainable and less reliant on grant funding.
“Artbox has so far been made possible by a small and committed group of volunteers. To help us grow and be successful, we are on the look out for volunteers with enthusiasm to improve the lives of people with a learning disability. To get involved with Artbox Frome as a volunteer, come along to the taster sessions or to find out more we can be contacted on info@art boxfrome.org Our website is www.art boxfrome.org”.
