Budding entrepreneurs and teachers are being urged to get involved with a new project to boost enterprising ideas and education across the district. Launched by Bradford Council's Department of Services to Children and Young People, the Step Up Enterprise scheme aims to develop business leaders of tomorrow.
Working in partnership with various agencies, Enterprise Enablers are based in the five constituencies to promote the project to schools, colleges and local communities. They are also forging links with businesses to help set up mentoring and support sessions for students' initiatives.
220 year eight students at Immanuel College in Thackley were some of the first young people to take part in a day of special workshops to encourage them to come up with creative ideas in the run up to the deadline for a Market Challenge competition. They worked in teams of six to design a product or business, including its logos and marketing plan, and presented their work at the end of the two sessions.
The competition is open to five to 19-year-olds and groups will take part in a Dragon's Den-style event to win one of 30 finalist places to pitch their products or businesses at a market in the city centre next June.
Councilor Michael Kelly, the Council's Executive Member for Services to Children and Young People, said: “The scheme will champion enterprise activity throughout the Bradford district, helping to bring schools, colleges, community groups and businesses together to share best practice, give youngsters advice, create an enterprise culture, and improve community relations while building stronger links.
"The Market Challenge - with its Dragon's Den-style final - will also be an interesting and nail-biting competition and we look forward to seeing our young Bradfordians' ideas. Good luck to everyone involved!"
Step Up Enterprise is funded by Kickstart until July 2011 and future activities will include enterprise challenges, theme days and a network business clubs for young people.
To find out more contact Step Up Enterprise Manager Ashleigh McMillan on (01274) 385530 or email stepupenterprise@bradford.gov.uk
