
As we enter what some are calling the fourth industrial revolution, teaching and developing generic soft skills – including the specific skills of enterprise – will be of central importance to young people’s future success.
In 2018, Start it, the West London Schools’ Entrepreneurship Programme, was founded to provide teaching, mentoring and meaningful opportunities for young people to become the next generation of entrepreneurs. Supported by our alumni and parent networks as well as our partner schools, we look to share our wisdom and experience with the young people involved, as they acquire the confidence and skills to start their own businesses. Crucially, the programme is open to, and promoted amongst, all of the young people in the local area. A key focus of the partnership is to foster collaboration between different groups of young people and to promote social enterprise.
For further information about events and the Start it programme, please contact Head of Enterprise at St Paul’s School, Nick Troen npt@stpaulsschool.org.uk
This year, The West London Partnership is providing an incubator to help develop pupil businesses in a formal, structured manner. The Start it PRO incubator programme is designed to help recent alumni start-ups (18-23 year olds) in their infancy succeed by providing resources, seed funding, mentoring and training. The closing date for applications is 12 April 2022. To find out more or apply please see below information:
The programme will take place over a 12 month period and culminate in a ‘graduation day’ at where successful applicants are invited to share their experiences.
Applicants will need to submit a comprehensive business plan to NPT@stpaulsschool.org.uk by 12 April 2022 and partake in a follow up interview to evaluate the credibility of their start-up. If successful, the entrepreneur/s will be actively supported with access to a wide range of industry-specific mentors from the Old Pauline network, pro bono professional advice, and funding up to a maximum amount of £3,000.
Successful companies that have already emerged from the West London area during the last few years include VenturePad, SureLight and Airband and the WLP is committed to evolving the support available for its entrepreneurs.
Please note that any student assuming the role of a director of a limited company is taking on a very serious responsibility. Equally serious is the maturity and discipline required in the securing of funding and the sustainable growth and management of a business. If you do not possess these qualities you should not apply.
Successful applicants will be expected to present their progress at the end of the 12 month incubator programme. If you have any questions please direct these to NPT@stpaulsschool.org.uk. Business plans should also be emailed to this address.
Companies currently attached to the Start it Pro Incubator: