Here at Middlesbrough College, we know many of our students dream of pursuing self-employment.
That’s why, each year, we hold Enterprise Week.
Designed to help those interested in this rewarding career path, the five days gives our learners the chance to consider how it’s a viable, prosperous and rewarding route.
We kicked off the week with Launchpad at #Teesside University# (www.tees.ac.uk), holding a Generation Z workshop, teaching individuals everything from the initial stages of setting up a business to getting money to fund equipment.
Our students were also joined by Natwest Spark, hosting an inspiring two hour sessions to help boost self-confidence when selling ideas and techniques as well as tips on convincing others to agree to help or buy products.
Each week, our Advantage team present sessions on everything from nailing interviews to keeping up a healthy lifestyle (which can be booked via Canvas). Enterprise Week was no different, just with a few extra entrepreneurial themed classes thrown in for good measure!
Wednesday proved to be a highlight for our students, as we welcomed Ammar Mirza CBE, who treated all in attendance to a motivational presentation on the power of three – cooperation, communication and collaboration.
Supporting over 300 businesses from start to success, Ammar has worked his way up, originally starting out as a call centre worker. He thanks his success on the powerful duo that is positivity and planning, stating that every goal he’s achieved has been through strict scheduling.
The hour long appearance proved to be a hit, with many of our students staying back to ask questions and discuss how to further incorporate the power of three into their lives.The midweek mark also gave the chance for our budding entrepreneurs to trial their business ideas, with many setting up shop over lunchtime on the MC Street.
From cupcakes to freshly-baked bread, there was a good mix for shoppers to choose from. Dealing with customers and making a good amount of profit proved the potential success of the businesses, a point that was further supported when we wrapped up Enterprise Week with our Dragons’ Den business pitch.
Two entrepreneurs stepped into the boardroom to pitch to the dragons, with a prize that would allow them to really put their idea to the test.
It was a tough decision, but the dragons’ eventually settled on Baker’s Dozen, a business selling freshly baked items ordered from The Great Northern Bakehouse Ltd. From being crowned the winners, Ruaridh, Charlie, Sammy and Ashleigh will all benefit from their prizes, consisting of a week of trade within a Hillstreet Shopping Centre unit, six hours of business mentoring with Alan Gowling (director of business banking for the North) and £100 to spend on Google Analytics.
The competition runner up, Samman Khan, whose niche idea designed around making travelling from A-B that little bit easier, will also benefit from business mentoring.Overall it was a week of success, leaving our students inspired and aware of their options after leaving Middlesbrough College.
We’re already counting down the days for Enterprise Week 2018!