Levelling Up the UK: Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Power of Teens
The UK is buzzing with talk of "leveling up" – bridging the economic gap between London and the South with the rest of the country. At Entreprenerds, we believe the true engine of levelling up isn't government policy, but the untapped entrepreneurial potential of our teenagers.
The Untapped Talent in Our Teens
Over the last two years, we've spoken to countless students, teachers, and policymakers across the UK. The enthusiasm for entrepreneurship is palpable, and the talent amongst our teens is undeniable. Yet, in most areas, the resources and support they need to flourish are practically non-existent.
Too often, our teens are left to their own devices, learning about entrepreneurship through YouTube videos or social media influencers. While inspiring, this ad-hoc approach doesn't replace structured programs, mentorship, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The result? A stark divide in access to entrepreneurial opportunities, mirroring the economic disparities between regions. This isn't just a UK issue; it's a global challenge where economic inequality often reflects a lack of entrepreneurial culture.
Democratising Entrepreneurship for Teens
At Entreprenerds, we're on a mission to democratise entrepreneurship for teens across the UK.
We emphasise that access should be provided to the 95% of students who either do not go to university or attend universities without proper entrepreneurship programmes and infrastructure. We must invest in these 95% to ensure they are not left behind and have access to entrepreneurship opportunities
We're not just talking about teaching business skills; we're talking about fostering a mindset shift, where every teen sees themselves as a potential creator of wealth and innovation.
Our approach is fourfold:
Changing Mindsets: We're challenging the traditional narrative that entrepreneurship is only for a select few. We believe every teen, regardless of their background, should have an equal chance to succeed.
Providing Education: We're delivering a proven entrepreneurship program that equips teens with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to turn their ideas into reality.
Practicing Entrepreneurship: A step-by-step programme guiding pre- university students to practice transforming business ideas into tangible ventures
Developing Ecosystems: We're partnering with local, regional, and global organizations to build vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems that support and nurture teen entrepreneurs.
A New Metric for Success
Entrepreneurship is a serious endeavour, and we hold ourselves to high standards. Our key performance indicator (KPI) isn't just about how many students complete our programme; it's about how many companies they create, the revenue they generate, and the investments they attract.
We believe in entrepreneurship programmes that deliver real-world results. If a program isn't creating a target number of actual entrepreneurs, it needs to adapt and improve.
Launching Entreprenerds: A Manifesto for Teen Entrepreneurship
With the launch of Entreprenerds, we're taking a bold step towards our vision of creating 1 million teen entrepreneurs by 2050. We're providing teens with access to mentors, real-world experience, and a network of support. We're showing them that entrepreneurship isn't just about making money; it's about solving problems, creating jobs, and making a difference in their communities.
We're investing in our youth because we believe they are the untapped power of innovation, creativity, and opportunity. They are the ones who will come up with solutions to our biggest challenges, from climate change to social inequality.
Join the Movement
We invite you to join us in this exciting journey. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, a policymaker, or a business leader, you have a role to play in empowering our teens to become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
Together, we can level up the UK, not just through economic policy, but through the boundless energy and ingenuity of our young people. Let's give them the tools they need to create a brighter future for themselves, their communities, and our nation.
Entreprenerds: Empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs