The BIBAs Foundation

The BIBAs Foundation, managed by the Community Foundation for Lancashire, has been created to develop an enterprising culture in the youth of Lancashire. The fund is made up of business and personal donations, prize draw money and net surplus from the Be Inspired Business Awards (BIBAs) which is owned and delivered by the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. The fund supports community projects that enable young people aged 16-24 to flourish, learn and develop skills or knowledge, encourage enterprise, continue or expand work experience, build capacity for their future, and improve confidence levels to help towards future employment and enterprise prospects. Funding is available for organisations and individuals permanently based in Lancashire. Community groups can apply for up to £5,000 and individuals can apply for up to £2,000 through a separate application process. The total budget is approximately £22,000 per grant round. Eligible grant items include acquiring qualifications, educational visits, business start-up costs, mentoring/consultancy, and developing skills and confidence through structured training and development programmes such as courses, workshops, and classes.