Learners from our Business Career Excellence Hub are spreading Christmas cheer, through the Business Enterprise Challenge.

Learners studying Business related courses at Weston College have been split into groups, and tasked with raising money for Weston Hospicecare. Each group have been given a Business Mentor, as well as a £50 donation for a start-up budget. The challenge is to turn their £50 into the most profit, with all proceeds going to the charity.

Each group of learners have created their business plan, which includes sourcing products, developing their pricing strategy, coming up with a marketing plan and then selling their product or service.

The groups have also been given a Business Mentor, with lots of key business people from across the town offering their support to this great initiative (full list below).

The challenge which was launched in October is well underway, and last week (W/C: 5th December) learners took to the Sovereign Centre in Weston-super-Mare, to sell their products. With a presence each day, learners showcased their merchandising skills as well as their products – selling Christmas gifts and raising lots of money in the process.

Dean of Faculty for Professional Studies Access to HE & Animal Science at Weston College, Helen George, said: “I have been really impressed with work that the students have been producing as part of the Business Enterprise Challenge.

“Over the course of the challenge so far, we have seen learners grow in confidence, increase their understanding of running a business and build some vital skills that will support them throughout their future careers.

“Most importantly learners are raising a lot of money for Weston Hospicecare, which has been the driving force behind the success we have seen to date.

“I wanted to say a big thank you to our Business Mentors as well, they have provided such valuable advice, guidance and feedback to the learners, and we really appreciate the support that they have given us.”

Each group of learners will present their experiences to a judging panel, as well as sharing how much they raised at the end of January, to try to win one of four awards:

• Fundraisers Achievement Award (for the team which raises the most profit)
• Most Sustainable Business Award (for the most sustainable business or product idea)
• Visual Merchandising Award (best trade stand)
• Entrepreneur of the Year Award (awarded to a team which demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurialism)

With the winners being announced at Weston College’s Celebration of Success event, in February 2023.

If you would like to find out more about studying a business courses at Weston College, click here.