We're delighted to share the successfully funded projects for Cycle 2 of The Agency in Bolton, following an inspiring pitching panel held in December.

Sixteen talented young people from across the borough pitched their ideas to a panel of industry experts. After careful consideration, three outstanding young people from Farnworth were awarded £2,000 each, to bring their social enterprise projects to life between January and May 2026 along with the support of their own Mentor/Producer. 

Each project demonstrates creativity, ambition, and a strong commitment to community impact. We're incredibly proud to support these young people as they take the next steps in their journeys. 

AUTOMOTIVE UNITY

Adeniyi (aged 16)

Automotive Unity is a community event that celebrates automotive culture while encouraging young people to explore engineering and mechanical education. By bringing people together around shared interests, Adeniyi's project aims to inspire future pathways into technical careers and strengthen community connections through creativity and innovation. 

CROWNED ROOTS

Precious (aged 17)

Crowned Roots is a project that celebrates the art and cultural significance of Afro hair braiding. Through skills workshops and peer learning, Precious aims to upskill and empower young people in Farnworth, helping them build confidence and transform creative talent into long-term employment opportunities. The project places identity, self-expressionm and enterprise at its heart. 

SOFT BORDERS

Zane (aged 18)

Soft Borders is the creation of a free comic book for young people that promotes cultural unity and celebrates individual identity. Through imaginative characters and storytelling, Zane's project explores belonging, difference, and shared experiences. 

THE PANEL

These awards were decided by a fantastic panel of professionals from across the cultural, community, and creative sectors:

• Dawn Yates-Obe - CEO, Bolton CVS
• Demereece Green - Agency Alumni and Co-founder of Dawn To The Light
• Gulnaz Brennan - Co-founder, She Inspires Foundation
• Lisa Allen - CEO and Creative Director, Shakespeare North Playhouse
• Rob Greaves - Octagon Theatre Board Member and Partner, Menzies Accountancy

We're hugely grateful to the panel for their time, insight, and commitment to supporting the next generation of creative and entrepreneurial talent in Bolton. 

We can't wait to see how these projects develop over the coming months and to follow the journeys of these brilliant young people as they make a real difference in their communities. 

The Agency is delivered by Octagon Theatre Bolton, supporting young people to develop creative ideas, leadership skills, and pathways into future opportunities.