'Youthquakers' enter the Dragon's Den
Our Youthquake learners entered the dragon’s den earlier this week to present new business concepts to a panel of local business leaders.
Youthquake is a revolutionary training programme for 16-24 year olds, delivered by The Learning Foundry in partnership with the Good Business Festival, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the Regenda Group. It gives learners first-hand experience of planning and running a business – exploring local issues, changing business for good, and challenging young people to believe in themselves and the difference they can make to where they live.
Taking to the stage at the British Music Experience on Monday, our Youthquakers pitched two good business ideas to our panel of local business leaders – including Garth Dallas, Head of Collaborations at the Good Business Festival, Craig Pennington, Founder of Bido Lito and Future Yard, Mary Austin, Managing Director of AFTA Thought, and Alex Cousins of Alex Cousins Consulting.
First to present was Impact Youth 555, a fleet of environmentally friendly, hydrogen powered buses designed by young people as a safe space for learning and development. “More than just a youth club on wheels”, our Youthquakers Ellie, Kelsie and Scott explained, “Impact Youth 555 would be a place for young people to gain real work experience”. The bus would travel across the Liverpool City Region, so it is easily accessible for young people.
Next was Pocket Full of Sunshine, presented by Zainab, Zina, and Rory. Their project is to build a hotel that enables homeless people across the City Region to access the support and services they need. “Supporting people who have found themselves homeless is more than just providing a roof over their head”, our learners pitched. Pocket Full of Sunshine aims to be a place stay that also offers social spaces, support services, learning opportunities, veterinary service, and more.
Discussing the pitches on the day, Craig Pennington, Founder of Bido Lito and Future Yard, said, “You have come up with such a progressive concept, respect for dealing with is in such an innovative way”.
Garth Dallas, Head of Collaborations for the Good Business Festival, added that the pitches had “made a grown man cry!”.
The Learning Foundry offers a range of innovative programmes such as Youthquake – including our Picture Your Future traineeships, apprenticeships, and Kickstart vacancies. We aim to make talent shine. If you’re interested in our programmes, or you’re a business who can help young people to achieve their full potential, contact us today.
