Youngsters from Inverness take part in mini Dragons' Den
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Young people from in and around Inverness had their first taste of business finance earlier this month, taking part in a version of TV favourite Dragons’ Den.
Teams from Millburn Academy, Culloden Academy and Glenurquhart High School took part in Young Enterprise Scotland’s (YES) version of the popular TV series, by pitching their idea for products to a panel of local business people.
Copper Carnations from Glenurquhart received £65 to help kick-start their plans for a range of handmade recycled copper jewellery.
The school’s second team, Sweet Treats, also took home £75 to fund their idea for pick ‘n’ mix style sweets.
Millburn Academy’s Glassology were awarded £90 to develop their seaglass jewellery line while Link for Life from Culloden Academy picked up £50 towards production of manuals aimed at helping elderly people use internet-based services.
All the teams taking part also received useful advice on how to progress their plans in time to set up their stalls at the annual Young Enterprise Scotland Christmas trade fair in Inverness High Street, Inverness on Saturday, December 10 where they will be hoping to sell as much product as possible.
Linda Thomas, chairwoman of YES Highland and Moray said: “Dragons’ Den is always a challenge for our teams as they refine the concepts for their products and sell them to the panel.
“As ever our teams rose to the occasion, impressing our Dragons with their energy, enthusiasm and creativity.
“Since the pandemic it’s become clear that taking part in the Young Enterprise Company Programme is not just about learning how to run a business.
“Our teams of young people gain experience of working together, coming up with innovative ideas and managing change and challenging circumstances.
“This is all great preparation for their careers and will stand them in good stead, particularly in these difficult times.”
The members of the Dragons’ Den panel were: Stephanie Andrew – Highlands and Islands Enterprise; Graham Alexander – AJ Engineering; Sarah Holmes – Pencil Me In; and Grant Wright – Everyone Entertained.
The Young Enterprise Scotland Company Programme for Highland and Moray runs in partnership with local schools and businesses across the area to encourage young people to experience the various challenges and opportunities of running a business.
Over the course of a year teams from individual schools learn how to run a successful business by designing and making products, marketing them and managing the financial side of the business.
The scheme is aimed at 15 to 19-year-olds and teams are supported by teachers as well as a volunteer business adviser from the local community, and an area team.
