Dragons’ Den Entrepreneurship Competition
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This term we launched a Dragons’ Den-style Entrepreneurship Competition, searching for business-savvy students determined to take their ideas to the next level.
Launched as part of the College’s support for young entrepreneurs, the competition aimed to provide students from across the College and University Centre with a kick-start towards their businesses – whether already launched or a brand-new venture. And with an investment of up to £6500 up for grabs, the competition was fierce!
The Challenge
The competition required students to convince judges of their business ideas for a chance to receive an investment. Prize funds were part-funded by the College and the Rushmoor Borough Council Community Grant Scheme.
In the first round entrants pitched their proposals one-to-one to a carousel of business professionals. The budding entrepreneurs had just a few minutes to impress the professionals, who each had experience in a particular business function, before moving on to the next.
Following this fast-paced pitching process, those who convinced the judges that their businesses had the potential to go far were chosen to progress to the finals.
In the finals entrants were again challenged to pitch their business proposals, but this time to a group of five accomplished ‘dragons’. With just a short time slot to promote their ideas and convince judges they should receive the investment, it was a tense challenge!
The panel of dragons included (left to right):
Gemma Christie – Vice Chair of the Farnborough College of Technology Corporation Board and a Leading Patent Attorney
Claire Fargeot – College Governor and mentor to executives of listed companies, private and charitable organisations to enhance value creation
Virginia Barrett – Principal CEO of Farnborough College of Technology
Bob Yelland – Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing with 30 Years’ experience as an International Marketing Manager, and Course Lead for our Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualifications
David Clifford – Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, Entrepreneur and Lecturer on our BA (Hons) Business Management Degree
The Winners
Having successfully impressed the dragons with their original ideas, solid business plans and ability to reach a gap in the market, three enterprising businesses were awarded an investment:
Cockeye Media – A recently launched media production company by media degree student Alex, offering videography and special effects for commercial use. The business specialises in music videos, housing videos and car edits.
The Gallery Box – A new catering business run by catering students Euan, Kelsey, Nathanial, Harrison, Harry and Jack. The business offers portable catering from a converted horse trailer, selling street food, sweet treats and more.
Burning Tree Studios – A video game assets company run by game design students Adam, Matthew and Kyle. The company also has an Indie Game in the development, which they are looking to launch once completed.
The competition winners were announced at a ceremony hosted by Principal CEO Virginia Barrett. For successfully getting through to the finals, all of the finalists will now have access to continued guidance and support from the College and dragons.
Interested in joining us? Applications are still open for this September! Click here to explore our range of courses.
