The Beauty Backed Trust, founded by British Beauty Council Advisory Board Member Caroline Hirons, has announced the launch of their first Grant Programme, to continue to support the beauty industry after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Beauty Backed fundraising initiative began in 2020 to support the independent businesses and entrepreneurs within the beauty industry who were directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. After a successful launch which saw over £600,000 raised for and donated to the Hair & Beauty Charity, Beauty Backed has since evolved into a Trust which aims to assist everyone and anyone who works in the beauty industry. With beauty contributing over £28 billion to the British economy each year, the Beauty Backed Founder, Caroline Hirons and The Trustees passionately advocate that beauty is a valuable industry that deserves to be celebrated. The goal of The Beauty Backed Trust is to champion expertise and provide support to everyone within the beauty industry or those wanting to enter it.

“Since launching Beauty Backed Trust, we have had over 200 support requests for stock, equipment, financial and mentoring support. As a response to this, the Trustees and I are thrilled to have put in place two grant programmes that will provide support to those most in need. Both programmes will not only provide financial support but access to training and mentoring to help meet the needs of our industry and we cannot wait to get going.”

– Caroline Hirons

About the two Grants:

The Start Up Grant

A start-up grant is a financial donation targeted at individuals whose plans to enter or continue a career in the beauty industry were ended last year because of the COVID- 19 pandemic. The grant could typically assist with purchasing equipment, securing suitable workspace or meeting additional training requirements.

Each candidate can apply for up to £5,000. Where relevant, equipment or stock may be provided in replacement of a financial donation.

Support Grant

A support grant is a financial donation focused on benefiting previously established businesses and freelancers that need additional help and guidance to recover and evolve. Funds may be used to support the continued running of the business, additional training or the purchasing of new stock. Support grants will be limited to a maximum of £5,000 per business.

The Application Process

“Beauty Backed Trust have worked hard to make the application process for the Grant Programme easy to follow and guidance will be available throughout their journey should applicants need it. We want the Grant Programme to be accessible to everyone who needs support whilst ensuring that the Trust has adequate information to fully support each candidate.”

– Amy, Beauty Backed Trust Manager

All applicants must visit www.beautybacked.com to submit their online application forms. Their applications will be reviewed by Beauty Backed’s Trust Manager to make sure all the required information and documentation has been provided before the Trustees decide if it is something that the Trust can support with. Next, applicants will be invited for an interview with at least two of the Trustees. Beauty Backed Trust have partnered with Barclays Digital Eagles to provide online training courses to help further support the candidates throughout and after the application process.

Successful applicants will then be provided with a mentoring programme for guidance and support throughout their journey, to ensure that the funds are used appropriately and that they are really getting the most out of this assistance possible.

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Article originally featured on the British Beauty Council website

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