Inspire and Equip through Enterprise Success

What is the competition?

The Young Enterprise Company Programme provides a real-life learning opportunity for young entrepreneurs on the island. Taking place over one academic year, participants work in teams to set up and run their own student company under the guidance of a Business Volunteer. With access to the YE Company Connect platform including extensive resources, videos and step-by-step guidance, teams make all the decisions about their company, including developing the product, managing company finances and marketing your company. 

By taking part participants gain practical business experience, develop an innovative mindset and key employability skills to help you build a successful future.

Applications are now open for the 2024-25 Company Programme. Applications must be made in teams of students in Year 12. There are no limits on company sizes, but the ideal is somewhere between 5 and 8.

How does it work?

Over the course of the competition students complete eight key milestones...

1 - Get your team together

Start off by bringing together a team of students who you will work with for the competition.

2 - Generating the idea

Brainstorm and evaluate ideas for a product or service. The Young Enterprise Area Board will host an innovation session in October to help you develop your idea. You will then have time to research and put together your pitch.

3 - Pitch your Idea

In November you will be invited to come and pitch your business idea to the Young Enterprise Area Board. The top six businesses will then be chosen to take part in the competition.

4 - Business Planning and development

Now you have made it through to the next step you will be paired with two business volunteers. You will now under take market research, develop a business plan and start to raise capital. At this point you’ll start having weekly meetings with your business volunteers.

5 - Launch

Once you have your plan together you will launch your products or services.

6 - Running the Business

Now its time to start selling your products or services, start your marketing campaign and feedback regularly to the Area Board.

7 - Finals Night

Companies present about their product, journey of their company and their learning points along the way. Awards are handed out judged by the Area Board and guest judges.

8 - Next Steps

You can now develop a personal action plan, update your CV and join the YE Alumni network. By completing an online self assessment, you can receive a certificate to evidence the skills you have developed from taking part in Company Programme.