Two young businesspeople of the future from Mallaig got their first taste of applying for finance on Monday November 6.
Teams from across the North were taking part in Young Enterprise Scotland Highland and Moray Area’s own version of TV’s Dragons’ Den at Nairn Community Centre, pitching their idea for products to a panel of local business experts.
Mallaig High School’s Megan Macleod and Poppy Dennis (Fois), picked up £80 to help develop their range of locally themed mugs, coasters and aprons.
All teams also received valuable advice on how to take their ideas forward in time to set up a stall at the annual Young Enterprise Scotland Christmas trade fair in Inverness on December 9.
Young Enterprise Scotland programmes in Highland and Moray run in partnership with local schools and businesses across the area and provide young people with a real-life learning opportunity that introduces them to the realities of the world of work.
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 YE Highland and Moray said: “Our Dragons were particularly impressed with the teams’ ideas for products, organisation and progress already made in developing prototypes and business planning.
“The panel of dragons gave valuable advice about managing production and how to seek out sales opportunities.
“At the end of the day though taking part in the Young Enterprise Company Programme is not just about learning how to run a business. It’s about working as a team, thinking creatively, handling change and being resilient in challenging circumstances – skills these young people will need for life and for work.”
Photograph: Mallaig High School duo Megan Macleod and Poppy Dennis. NO_F47_MallaigYoungentrepreneurs_Megan Macleod_Poppy Dennis