8 local schools battled it out in a Dragons Den-style event just before the coronavirus crisis took hold, vying for additional investment as part of the Young Enterprise programme on the Isle of Wight.
Teams from each of the participating schools founded an original business to take part in the Young Enterprise Company scheme, which sees youngsters trading products and services with a view to generating the largest profit whilst being supported by local businessmen.
This year’s competition entered a new phase at the end of February when the teams competed for additional funding and investment in a Dragons Den event. The cash investment was kindly provided by The Rotary Club of Cowes and Island Business Network. The Dragons panel was made up of well-known local business people and led by Jamie Busby from Hose Rhodes Dickson.
The Dragons were very impressed with the pitching from the teams. Jamie comments:
“We have been moved and inspired by the range of creative services and products the different teams have presented in the Den, pitching for additional funding and investment. It’s great to see young people getting to grips with what being in business is really like”.
Given the hot competition in the Den, it was difficult for the Dragons to choose the team with the best funding pitch. That award went to Ryde Academy, who have developed and are selling a range of soap products ideal for the gift market. Extra funding awards were also made to Isle of Wight College, Medina College and Carisbrooke College.
Dragons Den is part of the Young Enterprise Company Programme, organised on the Island by Ed-WISE. Ed-WISE is a community benefits society, founded in 2018, to enhance the life chances and education of Isle of Wight children and young people.
Due to Coronavirus, judging for the Young Enterprise Isle of Wight & Hampshire Final on 14th May will be done digitally.
