Business Enterprise Project Raises Thousands Again

This year’s Business Enterprise Project has now come to a close and has been the most successful yet!  

Twenty-one groups of learners have been working with an employer mentor from the local business community, who provided invaluable guidance and support to the groups. These business mentors also funded the £50 start-up costs of each business, with the challenge being to turn this into the most profit, with all proceeds raised going to Weston Hospicecare. 

The groups ran their businesses from October to December, selling innovative and exciting items including ‘Christmas Treat Baubles’, Pet Stockings, Mobile Phone Charms, Candles with Personalised Messages, Scented Christmas Decorations and so much more!  

The winning team was mentored by Michelle Michael MBE, and raised a phenomenal £1275! Turning £50 into £1275 is incredible achievement and the team should be very proud of not just the personal achievement, but also of how much they have raised for charity. The winning team will be honoured with an award at the prestigious Celebration of Success event in February.  

The grand total raised by all teams was an amazing £6771.75! Since the project began three years ago, this means that our learners have raised a staggering £14,568.28.  

This impressive feat has certainly caught attention, with the strong support of people in Weston. 

Ben Melhuish, Subject Area Manager for Business said: “we are so proud of what our learners have achieved as part of this challenge. Over the course of the challenge, we have seen learners’ grow in confidence, increase their understanding of running a business and build vital skills that will support them throughout their future careers”. 

Ben Whitwell, Creative Director at Benji Graphics and mentor for the project said “my team were very well prepared when we first met, they had a clear plan and roles agreed. I was really impressed with their ambition to run some events to build up their capital to buy stock further into the project. It was a great plan that worked brilliantly. The team took my feedback really well, especially around pricing. As with other Weston College students, they were very respectful of me and my time, but confident enough to ask for favours, which I was happy to help with!” 

Jane Murch, Visitor & Information Services Manager at WSM Town Council said: “What a brilliant team!  From their first presentation through to watching them sell their product, they were such an inspiration.  Creativity – 10/10, business knowledge – 10/10, commitment – 10/10.”  

This project forms part of the Business Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands. 

A big thank you must be extended to all of the mentors who generously donated their time and money to help with the Business Enterprise Project. Thanks must also be given to The Sovereign for allowing our learners to utilise the centre retail space.  

To find out more about Business courses, click here!