Customer Portal
Contact

The Teenage Market (Place for Youth)

Place for Youth CIC is a not-for-profit organisation that connects young people to their local communities through creative enterprise and performance. Founded in Stockport, it delivers the Teenage Market—a national initiative offering young traders and performers a free platform to showcase their talents and build confidence. Since 2012, the project has supported thousands of young people across the UK, revitalising town centres and helping to develop skills, pride, and opportunity in local areas.

What will the Kao SEED Fund support?

The Teenage Market was originally launched in Stockport in April 2012 as a response to the economic challenges faced by the town centre. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide initiative, but Stockport has not hosted regular Teenage Market events in recent years due to a lack of sustained funding. The aim of this project is to bring the Teenage Market back to Stockport, marking the initiative’s 13th anniversary. The event will be revitalised in the town centre, providing young people with the opportunity to showcase their creative talents and engage with the local community, while also celebrating the market’s roots in Stockport. 

Who is the project helping support?

The Teenage Market is designed to benefit a wide range of people, from young traders and performers to local businesses, families, and the wider community. Primarily, it offers young people aged 11-19 a free platform to showcase their creative talents, build confidence, and develop essential entrepreneurial skills. At the same time, local businesses will benefit from increased footfall in the town centre, driving trade to surrounding shops and restaurants. The event also strengthens community cohesion by providing a vibrant, inclusive space for families to come together, celebrate creativity, and support young people. Additionally, the Teenage Market will contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Stockport town centre, offering both short- and long-term benefits to the local economy.

Impact of the project

The success of the Teenage Market will be measured through key indicators such as the number of young traders participating, the financial success of their stalls, and the level of community engagement will be tracked. Post-event evaluations will be conducted with the young traders to assess how the event impacted their confidence, skills development, and business aspirations. Feedback will also be gathered on how the event contributed to their sense of belonging and future ambitions. Additionally, the number of first-time market traders will be monitored, with ongoing support provided through educational and business development pathways to ensure the event’s lasting impact.

Find out more:

The Teenage Market – Giving young people a free platform to showcase their creative talents

The Teenage Market | Facebook

The Teenage Market (@theteenagemarket) • Instagram photos and videos

(4) The Teenage Market: Overview | LinkedIn

Customer Portal
Contact
X

Test Text

test job title
Click to see full book

Details

X

If your application is successful, Harlow Council will transfer the grant by BACS.  Bank details (account name, number and sort code) will need to be supplied with a summary of accounts. 

Funding conditions:  If your application is successful, your project must be delivered by 31 December 2026. You will have to return any grant funds if the project is not delivered or the organisation receiving the funding stops operating.

A contract agreement will need to be signed between your organisation and Harlow District Council before any funding is granted.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Grant recipients will be required to provide an end of project report to establish whether the project has met its aims and objectives, as well as to assess the overall impact on participants. Funding for the project is provided on the basis that the Project Evaluation form is returned within the agreed project timescale (no later than 31 January 2027).

Risks and Liabilities: In giving grants the ‘Harlow Council’ will require the supported project organisation or groups to accept all risks and liabilities associated with the activity being supported. This will be a condition of the grant.  Copies of relevant documents may need to be provided if the application has been approved.

Data protection statement – how we will use your information

The Council is committed to handling your personal information in line with the data processing principles.  The Data Protection Legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) sets the legal framework for how we collect, handle and process personal data and for your rights as a ‘data subject.’

General Data Protection Regulation:  Personal data provided by you will be processed in accordance with this protocol. For more details, please see https://www.harlow.gov.uk/privacy-notice

Thank you for taking the time to read these guidance notes. If you have any questions, please get in touch with [email protected].

FAQs

X
  1. Who can apply?
    The fund is open to not-for-profit community groups and grassroots initiatives based in Stockport.
     
  2. What types of projects are eligible?
    We encourage projects focused on environmental sustainability, community cohesion, and local economic development.
     
  3. How much funding is available?
    Grants range from £500 to £2,500 for pilot projects or to enhance existing initiatives.
     
  4. Is this the sole funding for this project?
    If not, please expand on the additional match funding that you currently have or are in the process of applying for.
     
  5. Are there any restrictions on grants under £500?
    Yes, please note that grants under £500 may be subject to different guidelines or restrictions, which will be communicated upon application.
     
  6. When will we know if our project was selected?
    Notifications will be sent by March 31, 2025.
     
  7. How can I apply for a grant?
    Applications can be submitted through our online portal, where you will find detailed guidelines and forms.
     
  8. What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
    If your application is not successful, we encourage you to seek feedback and consider reapplying in future funding rounds.
     
  9. When is the application deadline?
    Please check our website for the latest application deadlines and any upcoming funding rounds.