Temora's Olivia Collins encourages other young people to apply for an education fund grant to kick personal and professional goals

Running her beauty salon on Hoskins Street, Temora, though has not been easy during the throes of a global pandemic.

"We were shutdown for about 11 weeks because of the virus, which made things hard," Ms Collins said.

Returning to regular business now, the young professional says she has been inundated with work making her busier than ever.

The success of her endeavour, Ms Collins believes comes down the scholarship she was awarded last year by the Temora & District Education Fund.

Using the $1000 scholarship prize to complete a three-month course saved Ms Collins from dipping into her savings which kept her business afloat over the COVID-19 lockdown.

"It went towards paying for the whole course," Ms Collins said.

"It would have taken me a while to save up for it otherwise, especially since COVID struck."

In the 12 years since the education fund was established, chairman and Temora mayor Rick Firman estimates 250 young people have taken a share of more than $311,000 in scholarships.

"The grants we give out usually range between $500 and $2000, and it's open to any young person as long as you're passionate about your professional goals and you can demonstrate the financial need," Mr Firman said.

This year's scholarship applications have just opened ahead of the October deadline. Successful applicants will then be chosen to sit before a three-person panel interview later this year.

Already, Mr Firman envisions the scholarships will be hotly contested.

"Last year we had a record number of 38 submissions," he said.

"We've already receieved a dozen nominations so far and we've only just opened it in the last week so. We expect this year will exceed the records."

Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the Temora & District Education Fund page for more information.