Following on from the success of our first entrepreneurial programme ‘Start Up!’, a new House Entrepreneurial Competition was launched which aims to nurture entrepreneurship, innovation and key business skills in boys from all year groups across school.
This inaugural house entrepreneurship competition provided an opportunity for boys, in teams, to develop a money-making business and convince a panel of judges that they should be crowned the first ever winners.
Boys were asked: Starting with only £10, how much of an impact can you and your team make in just four weeks?
Boys were given the opportunity to attend weekly sessions to help them with their idea and business pitch. Week one looked at logos and business plans, week two at how to deliver a business pitch, week three was about advertising and product development, while week four focused on selling and presenting.
This was all in preparation for the final presentations, which were held on the evening of Wednesday 15 November when boys presented their business ideas to a panel of judges. The panel was made up of Mr Sam Baldock, Vice Master, Hugh Maltby, Director of the Bedford School Association and Old Bedfordian Richard Canvin (58-69).
There were some super ideas and presentations, and all boys took great care and consideration.
However, as with all competitions, there can only be one winner and the House crowned 2023 winners was St Cuthbert’s, represented by Remove Formers Advik Mishra and Emir Kenrick whose idea ‘Smart Edge’ considered models where online academic advice could be more responsive and flexible to the needs of school pupils, as well as ensuring its credibility.
Advik explained, “I’m always on the lookout for ways to make things better or more efficient. So, when I saw this particular challenge or opportunity, it sparked an idea. I brainstormed, researched, and talked to people to gather insights. It was a mix of observation, curiosity, and a desire to create something meaningful that led to the birth of my idea.”
Advik went on to say, “Entrepreneurship, for me, embodies the ultimate pathway for creativity, autonomy, and impact. The concept of building something from scratch, seeing an idea take shape, and making a potential positive difference in the world is incredibly motivating. The freedom to explore uncharted territories, take calculated risks, and drive change in industries is what truly captivates me about entrepreneurship. It’s the combination of calculated risks and opportunies to innovate and leave a potential positive mark on the world that fuels my passion for entrepreneurship.”