RESIDENTIAL developer Hopkins Homes and marketing agency Clarity {Included} are launching a project designed to encourage young entrepreneurs of the future to create their own businesses – and to raise money for local charity Lighthouse Women’s Aid.

The initiative begins in January when James Hopkins, executive chairman of Hopkins Homes, will present candidates with a start-up grant of �150 at an exclusive launch event at the company headquarters in Melton, near Woodbridge.

Participants can take part in the challenge individually or create a team of up to eight people. Once they have received their funds from Hopkins Homes, teams will benefit from a workshop, normally valued at �1,200, with Emma Pratt, managing director of Clarity {Included}.

Emma will guide the teams through creating a business plan and marketing strategy. It will then be up to young entrepreneurs to generate as much income as possible throughout the first three months of 2013.

Funds raised will be donated to Lighthouse Women’s Aid to enable the charity to continue its life saving work supporting women and children who have suffered from domestic abuse.

Jo Cresdee marketing and PR manager of Lighthouse Women’s Aid, said: “We hope that by being involved in a project such as this we are able to raise awareness of what is often considered a taboo subject and provide more support for local businesses so that they are more able to tackle the issue.”

The East Anglian Daily Times will be following the progress of each team as they progress their ideas. The project will conclude in March 2013 with an awards ceremony and prizes for the most successful teams.

Ipswich Town Football Club is supporting the competition by providing a VIP experience at the last home match of the season for the winning group.

Some students from University Campus Suffolk are already lined up to take part but there is still time for others to sign up. Participants can be any age but must be in some form of education. To register interest, contact Jo Cresdee at Lighthouse Women’s Aid by email to jo@lighthousewa.org.uk .