Ever wondered what it would be like to run your own business? Young Enterprise gives you the chance to step into the world of entrepreneurship and work as part of a team to create, develop and run your own business idea.
Young Enterprise is a UK-based charity programme that gives students hands-on experience of running a real business, from generating a product or service idea, to raising start-up capital, managing finances, marketing, and eventually winding up the company at the end of the year. Students take on genuine roles (such as Managing Director, Finance Director, or Marketing Director) and work as a team to make real commercial decisions, often trading at markets or events and reporting to a “shareholder” of real invested capital.
You’ll gain real-world experience in areas such as marketing, finance, sales, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving, while learning how to turn an idea into something successful.
Why get involved?
Develop valuable skills that employers and universities look for
Build your confidence, communication and leadership skills
Gain real experience of working as part of a team
Learn how businesses operate and make decisions
Have something impressive to add to your CV, UCAS or apprenticeship applications
Meet and work with other students who share your interests
Take on challenges, make decisions and learn from your experiences
Young Enterprise is a fantastic opportunity to step outside the classroom, try something new and develop skills that will benefit you long after sixth form. For Year 12 students, it’s particularly valuable as part of personal development because it builds practical skills that classroom teaching alone can’t fully replicate: teamwork, leadership, resilience, financial literacy, and problem-solving under real pressure and uncertainty. It also strengthens UCAS applications and future employability by giving students genuine, evidenced examples of enterprise and initiative to draw on in personal statements and interviews.
For A Level Business students specifically, it brings taught theory (cash flow, marketing mix, business planning) to life through direct, lived experience. Another great part of Young Enterprise is that the more successful the company is run, the more profit each member makes. This opportunity is open to all Year 12 students, not just business students.
Have an idea? Want to be your own boss? Get involved and see what you can create!