Tain Royal Academy and Fortrose Academy pupils enter Young Enterprise Scotland dragons’ den
PUPILS at two Ross-shire schools took their bright ideas into the dragons’ den to test their business acumen.
The teams from Tain Royal Academy and Fortrose Academy got their first real-life taste of the world of business last week through the process.
They were taking part in the Young Enterprise Scotland Highland & Moray Area’s version of television’s Dragons’ Den, pitching their idea for products to a panel of local businesspeople.
Piece Together from Tain received £40 towards their interactive games for elderly people while Fortrose Academy’s Solasta were awarded £60 for their intergenerational activity books.
Picture This, also from Tain Royal Academy, took home £40 to kickstart production of their handcrafted button pictures.
All the teams taking part also received valuable advice on how to progress their plans in time to set up a stall at the annual Young Enterprise Scotland Christmas trade fair in the Eastgate Centre, Inverness on Saturday, December 14.
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 challenges 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, a volunteer business adviser from the local community, and an Area Team.
Linda Thomas, Chair of YES Highland and Moray said: “Dragons’ Den is a real challenge for our teams as they finalise their ideas for their products and sell them to the panel.
“Our Dragons were extremely impressed with the progress they’ve already made in getting their companies set up and their products ready for market.
“Taking part in the Young Enterprise Company Programme is not just about learning how to run a business though.
“Our teams learn how to work as a team, overcoming challenges and building resilience – all of which is great preparation for their careers and will stand them in good stead in the future.”
