School pupils put business skills to the test in Dragons' Den style competition

Pupils from schools in Fife have been putting their business skills to the test trying to win over judges in a Dragons’ Den style competition.

The groups pitched their products and ideas to experts to win investment, with the profits going to a number of community projects.

The event in Dunfermline was part of the Economic Development’s Culture of Enterprise Programme.

As part of the social enterprise project, the young people taking part were also to think about a cause close to their hearts to support. 

One of the pupils involved in the event was Manar Kadham is in S3 at St Andrews RC.

She said: “We overcame a lot of issues and we also developed a lot of our skills like budgeting and ICT skills etc.”

Maria Lloyd, Head of Education, Fife Council said: “This was a fantastic Dragons Den event with 11 of our schools pitching their entrepreneurial ideas perfectly.

“I was pleased to see them so well prepared and excited to take part. It really is a great way for participants to develop and demonstrate their communication skills and teamwork.

Young entrepreneurs pitched for investment in front of a panel of judges

“They came away feeling encouraged and proud in their ideas.”

The Social Enterprise Academy’s social entrepreneurs supported the pupils to design, create and launch their social enterprises.

The young entrepreneurs pitched for investment in the Den in front of the Dragons. A comprehensive pitch from winner 1 was St Andrews RC in Kirkcaldy who impressed the dragons.

Nicole Stewart, business education teacher at St Andrews RC said:  “A social issue that our group was passionate to support through their social enterprise is domestic abuse.

“The group made and sold their own line of homemade sock snowmen that are filled with rice infused essential oils.

“The group hope to expand their product line to include seasonal products and door stops.

“The group are ecstatic that they have won the £150 grant money as this will go a long way to go help develop their business.

“Enterprise is very important for our young people. The skills that the young people develop through these activities will help them throughout their lifetime.”

John Penman from Fife Fabrications Ltd was one of the judges of the event.

He said: “It was great to see the enthusiasm of the young people at today’s Dragons Den event, they had worked so hard preparing for the event.

“Our young people are to all, our future economic success.”