Budding entrepreneurs and teachers are being urged to get involved with a new project to boost enterprising ideas and education across the district.
Launched by Bradford Council's Department of Services to Children and Young People, the Step Up Enterprise scheme aims to develop business leaders of tomorrow.
Working in partnership with various agencies, Enterprise Enablers are based in the five constituencies to promote the project to schools, colleges and local communities.
They are also forging links with businesses to help set up mentoring and support sessions for students' initiatives.
And on Wednesday, 9 December, 220 year eight students at Immanuel College in Thackley will be among the first to take part in a day of special workshops to encourage them to come up with creative ideas in the run up to the deadline for a Market Challenge competition.
They will be working in teams of six to design a product or business, including its logos and marketing plan, and will present their work at the end of the two sessions.
The competition is open to five to 19-year-olds and groups will take part in a Dragon's Den-style event to win one of 30 finalist places to pitch their products or businesses at a market in the city centre next June.
Coun Adrian Naylor, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Regeneration and the Economy, said: "The Step Up Enterprise scheme is a wonderful way to help us discover and support our enterprising employees, business leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow and no doubt we will see more imaginative and exciting enterprising initiatives being created across the district.
"Our children and young people are our future and it's important we give them the support and inspiration they need to boost their skills and fulfil their potential - which is also the key message of our ongoing b someone education campaign."
Coun Michael Kelly, the Council's Executive Member for Services to Children and Young People, said:"The scheme will champion enterprise activity throughout the Bradford district, helping to bring schools, colleges, community groups and businesses together to share best practice, give youngsters advice, create an enterprise culture, and improve community relations while building stronger links.
"The Market Challenge - with its Dragon's Den-style final - will also be an interesting and nail-biting competition and we look forward to seeing our young Bradfordians' ideas. Good luck to everyone involved!"
Step Up Enterprise is funded by Kickstart until July 2011 and future activities will include enterprise challenges, theme days and a network business clubs for young people.
To find out more contact Step Up Enterprise Manager Ashleigh McMillan on 01274 385530.
Media Relations Officer:
Carolyne Coyle
Telephone: 01274 432400
Fax: 01274 432005
Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk
Date: 08.12.09
