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 Foundation is supported by BAE Systems, which employs more than 10,000 people in its military aircraft business in the county.

Dave Holmes, Manufacturing Operations Director at BAE Systems, chairs a panel that decides upon applications submitted to the Foundation, alongside BIBAs 2015 Lancastrian of the Year, Ian Hall, and representatives from the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and the Lancashire Community Foundation.

The fund which the Foundation delivers grants from is made up of business and personal donations, prize draw money and net surplus from the BIBAs.

What is the focus of the BIBAs Foundation?

To enable young people aged 16-24 to flourish, learn and develop business skills or knowledge; continue or expand their enterprising work; build their capacity for the future.

Who can apply?

Individuals aged 16-24 and groups supporting them.

How much can you apply for?

Community Groups: £5,000
Individuals: £2,000

Which areas are covered?

Lancashire

Special criteria?

The panel would like, where possible, for applicants to submit examples of their work/business product with the application. For example, an application to support a textile business could be supported by sending in a sample of your product.

Examples of eligible grant items:

  • Acquiring qualifications
  • Educational visits
  • Business start-up costs
  • Mentoring / consultancy.

Please read the The BIBAs Foundation Guidelines, before applying.

To apply, please complete BIBAs Foundation Application Form.

Completed application forms should be emailed to bibas@lancschamber.co.uk, please use the same email address for any questions about the application process.

Speaking on BAE Systems support of the Foundation, Dave Holmes said:

“We’re delighted to support the BIBAs Foundation in its mission to boost the opportunities available to young people in our community. We have a long history of investing in young people through our apprenticeship and graduate programme and, more recently, by providing training for other North West aerospace businesses through our Employer Ownership Scheme.”

If you want to give your business a bigger competitive edge, enter the BIBAs today.