The Prince’s Trust
The Prince’s Trust has a project challenging Sixth Form students to raise £500 for the charity by setting up and running their own small business. The ‘Challenge 500’ scheme involves groups from local schools working with successful business professionals to reach the £500 target in whatever way they wish. Every part of the business has to be run and organised by the students themselves; from ideas, to manufacturing, distributing and selling the product as well as keeping up-to-date financial records. In 2008, I was the managing director of our Mount School Company and was one of thirteen College girls given thirteen weeks to generate £500 profit from nothing. With regular board meetings, brainstorming with business mentors and much debate, we decided to design and produce ‘I heart MSY’ (Mount School York) hoodies, mugs and key-rings. The merchandise proved a big hit; we surpassed the target and raised £1,256.20.
You need to login to read subscriber-only content and/or comment on articles.