Chamber members collaborate to help young people get into jobs

Two members from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce who met during a speed networking session had successfully volunteered for EY foundation.

The foundation supports young people from low-income backgrounds prepare for the workplace and cultivate their business ideas.

On January 23, founder of Reach Peak Performance, HR Consultancy and Leadership Coaching provider Emma Bisseker participated in the first virtual Speed Networking event hosted by the Chamber.

What initially seemed unfamiliar and somewhat daunting transformed into a powerful opportunity for connection, collaboration, and meaningful contribution to Charity.

In just a few minutes, Emma forged what was to be a mutually beneficial connection with Amy Metcalfe, the Volunteer Lead at the EY Foundation, a charity that supports young people from low-income backgrounds prepare for the workplace and cultivate their business ideas. 

This led to Emma being one of four volunteer entrepreneurs who participated in the Foundation’s “Step into Business” event on January 30. 

Attending the event Emma said: “This was a beautiful opportunity to get involved, give back and make a positive impact in supporting and guiding our future entrepreneurs”.

Volunteers shared their business journey with the attendees through a facilitated session by the Foundation, allowing budding entrepreneurs to engage in Speed Networking with the volunteer Entrepreneurs.

Volunteers also had positive experiences of the event with panel member and Founder of Jordz Visualz.

Jordan sharing that during the event he “discovered the true meaning of mentorship – a transformative dance between experience and curiosity, laying the foundation for dreams to flourish” whilst Areeba Ashraf of Opera Services Limited said that what inspired her from the day “is the belief that success and happiness is a journey, not a destination”.

Sim Rooprai, programme lead for the EY Foundation said: “Hearing about the panel experiences added so much value to our young people and throughout the day they mentioned how hearing from entrepreneurs was the highlight.”

 A second event took place in February with a new cohort and more entrepreneurs joining the panel and sharing their experiences. 

Emma said: "This Foundation is a great way to provide a fantastic opportunity to those with aspirations and business ideas and thanks to stepping into the world of Speed Networking I’m now involved in supporting this."