A Dragon’s Den style event will see students from Sheffield College pitch to business leaders and entrepreneurs at Wake Smith Solicitors’ offices in Sheffield.
The Pitching for Success event, organised by The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy based at Sheffield College, takes place on January 10 in the Wake Smith boardroom at No 1 Velocity with 14 guest judges from Sheffield’s business community.
Wake Smith directors John Baddeley and Liz Shaw are among the judges who will sit in on 16 presentations from students aged 16-18 from the academy hoping for potential investment in their ideas and business plans.
Organiser Jill White said: “The students pitch their business plan and ideas to the judging panel which will then makes a decision about potential investment.
“It has to be a plausible business idea, which has the reality of being seen through. In the past we have had all sorts of ideas presented, from pop up restaurants to phone Apps and green energy concepts.
“It is fantastic experience for these students to be presenting in front of some of the city’s best business leaders and entrepreneurs at this showcase event. The advice these students can pick up from this experience is second to none.”
Liz Shaw, Wake Smith director (pictured) said: “Many of the city’s best business ventures have come from an idea first thought about as a student. The event is about building confidence and pitching in front of an audience, which many business owners are required to do.
“Entrepreneurship is vital to the economy. I will be very interested to see what range of concepts and information is presented.”
Wake Smith will also present a best pitch prize at the event.
Vikki Annetts, deputy head of learning for business and enterprise at the college said: “It is really pleasing to be able to encourage the entrepreneurs of the future from the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy through events like this. The standard of our students is always extremely high and we look forward to seeing their talents.”
The judging panel also includes Graeme Tidd from The Peter Jones Foundation, James Biggin from Steel City, Rachel Smith from Nourish Me Now, Dan Glover from Jump Inc, Deborah Lockwood from Graywoods, Steve Davies from Kalcrest, Alex Barlow from Sentinel Brewery, James Wilson from The Sleep Geek, Callum Flanagan from Grant Thornton, Marie Cooper from MGC Associates Limited, Rachel Nunn from Arkom and Rachel Fletcher from Sheffield Growth Hub.
