A corporate recognition franchise is teaming up with a community organisation to offer a free franchise to a person from a disadvantaged background.
Recognition Express, which produces goods such as name badges, business signs and branded products, and the Community Action Network are accepting applications for the chance to receive a free East London-based franchise valued at £30,000.
Recognition Express and NatWest are co-funding the scheme, which will cover the costs of a licence, training and equipment.
Organisers encourage applications from anyone who believes he or she has the ability to run a successful franchise business but has been held back by difficulties beyond his or her control.
They also ask applicants to consider how their use of the business could be used to benefit the local community.
"I believe prejudices should be cast aside to allow the spirit of enterprise to flourish," said Nigel Toplis, managing director of Recognition Express.
"Franchising is an ideal vehicle for many people wanting to start their own business," said Mark Scott, national franchise manager at NatWest. "It offers the freedom of being your own boss but backs it up with a network of support.
"This initiative will allow someone from a disadvantaged background to really turn their life around."
Applicants must be residents of East London, and the franchise awarded will cover postcodes from Tower Hamlets to the Docklands.
Further details may be found at www.can-online.org.uk .
