North Hamilton can expect a positive 2007 after Government announced a youth organisation will receive $250,000 to encourage entrepreneurship.

Youth On the Move, based in the North Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone (EEZ), was awarded a $250,000 grant to encourage networking, positive social interaction, self awareness and entrepreneurship among the youth of Bermuda.

The group did not know they received the cash windfall until it was announced at yesterday's budget by Finance Minister Paula Cox.

She said: "They wish to make a difference in their community and to help revitalise North East Hamilton. They came to the Government, not seeking a hand-out but to partner in a social enterprise initiative to improve their community."

YOM president, Carlton Simmons, said the group was delighted by the announcement and proud of the work they had put into securing the financing.

While the group may be new to the public it has done extensive work behind the scenes for the last year, he said. They have worked hard to prove that they are committed to bringing change to society.

He said: "We want to be one of the main information sources to the forgotten generation, people between aged between 21-40 who don't seem to be availing of other services.

"We have 100 members and 10 people on the board. We do a variety of things such as help people write resumes, secure loans and deal with legal issues.

"The group started after the EEZ was announced and we realised this was a positive thing for our generation."

On behalf of the group he thanked the Government and in particular Finance Minister Paula Cox and Minister of Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler for helping the group and giving them the grant

New businesses in the area will also benefit from a concessionary payroll tax rate of 4.75 percent. They will not have to pay the standard pay rate of payroll tax, 13.5 percent, for the first 12 months of operation.

The boundaries of the EEZ will also be extended, currently the zone encompasses Victoria Street, Parliament Street and King Street.

Small Business Development Corporation works extensively in the area and were pleased to hear the Government's pledge to further economic empowerment.

General Manager of SBDC, Michelle Khaldun, said they over the past year they collected data on the needs of people and businesses in the area.

She said. "With the data we collected and money we received from the Government we will be able to design programs to help people.

"By April or May we should know the new boundaries of the Zone. Then even more people will benefit from the programmes in place."

Already the SBDC partnered with Bank of Bermuda HSBC to ensure business in the area benefited from financial advice, flexible financing arrangements and business and management expertise.

Ms Khaldun also spoke about the exciting news that IT courses were being offered in the area with the help of the Government, which was mentioned in the budget as well.

She said: "We have eight people going through it right now one of the ladies said she is learning so much and 'rolling'.

"It's quite inspiring because I know where the skill level was with many of these people, who are not young, at the beginning of the programme. Already they have learned so much.

"The support is there to make sure people are successful."