YOUNG people from across the Wee County recently had the chance to pitch their social enterprise ideas to a panel of business experts.

Pupils took part in a Dragons' Den style competition with Social Enterprise Academy, supported by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Forth Valley, Clacks Council and the government, organising the event.

Young people from seven schools arrived at Alloa Town Hall on Thursday, March 30, for the competition, pitching their ideas in front of a panel.

It was an opportunity to gain professional advice on business projects with social enterprises always re-investing profits into a social or environmental mission.

The competition also provided seed funding for pupils to get started and create their very own social enterprises.

The “dragons” – Julie Degnan, from Scotland's Enterprising Schools; Anthea Coulter, from CTSI; Michell Carr, DYW programme lead for Clacks and Stirling – were impressed by the entries.

Pupils from Coalsnaughton PS and their Busy Bee Bingo idea caught the eye and will be receiving £100 in seed funding to take the project forward along with £100 for Banchory PS's The Bee Community social enterprise.

Runners up were young people from Fishcross PS with their Clothes 4 Life idea receiving a £75 grant.

 

ENTERPRISING: Young people from across the Wee County had the chance to pitch their ideas and receive seed funding during the competition

ENTERPRISING: Young people from across the Wee County had the chance to pitch their ideas and receive seed funding during the competition

 

Joan Alexander, education manager at the Social Enterprise Academy, said: “We are delighted to receive sponsorship from our partners DYW Clacks and Stirling.

“Their generous support means that we are able to offer a unique learning opportunity whereby young people can pitch their social enterprise idea to a panel of dragons.

“All groups will receive seed funding so that they can go back to school and develop their social enterprise.”

Pupils from Menstrie, St Mungo's RC, Fishscross PS, Lornshill and Alloa academies were also bringing ideas with some 15 social enterprises pitched on the day.

Judge Carr added: “DYW Forth Valley were very happy to sponsor the Dragons Den event and help to promote it to the Primary & Secondary Schools across Clackmannanshire. 

"The SEA programme is a fantastic and fun way to help young people develop their skills by creating and running their own social enterprise in school, that supports their community, and also learn about social enterprise being a career opportunity. 

"The presentations from all of the young people were outstanding and truly inspiring. Congratulations to everyone who took part, you are all winners.

"I can't wait to see your projects bloom & be successful."

Following the event, the schools involved will work towards a Social Enterprise in Education Award, which will be presented at a national ceremony in Edinburgh in June 2023.