A YOUNG entrepreneur is encouraging others to follow their dreams after a grant helped her kick-start her business.

Leila Hobart, from Silver End, launched Inspire UK, to help promote physical and mental wellbeing, with the help of a grant from Braintree Council.

Six months ago, Leila was awarded a £3,000 grant from the Young Entrepreneur Programme to help kick-start the business.

Since then, she has built a gym and created a website to promote her services.

Leila said: “I was able to build and convert our garage into a gym. I believe I am the only gym in Essex that will focus solely on mental health and will never weigh or measure my clients.

“This takes weight stigma out of the equation to enable everyone to enjoy exercise, regardless of their age or abilities.

“It’s all starting to happen here at Inspire and I know that this would not have been possible without the help of this grant.

“I would encourage any young entrepreneur, regardless of what your idea is, to put pen to paper and apply for the grant – it could really change your life like it has mine, as clichéd as it sounds.”

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The Young Entrepreneur Programme is part of a wider drive to grow the local economy and create jobs, and is open to those aged 16 to 30.

Grants of between £500 and £3,000 are available to support start-up costs such as training courses, stock and digital equipment. Council economic growth boss Tom Cunningham said: “Supporting young people with their business ideas and getting new businesses off the ground supports business growth, adds to the local economy and is good for our communities."

“I’m delighted that Leila has found her niche in helping others and wish her every success for the future.”

Budding young entrepreneurs can apply for funding online.

Visit braintree.gov.uk/yep for more details..