The lair is in need of some fresh ideas
Wishaw pupils are being challenged to devise innovative business ideas that will impress a team of business ‘Dragons’.
North Lanarkshire Council have just launched their annual Dragon’s Lair competition to find young entrepreneurs.
And S3 pupils are now being invited to come up with ideas for a new product or service, before attending an event in September where advisors from Business Gateway Lanarkshire will help them write a business plan.
Liz Mccutcheon, chief executive of LESL, which delivers Business Gateway in Lanarkshire, said: “We have supported Dragon’s Lair since it was first launched in 2011 and each year we see the standard of business plans and presentations grow.
“Our advisors provide support and advice on how to create a business plan but the idea and content comes from the pupils.
“This has to been done in the pupils’ own time and we continue to be impressed by the commitment of those who apply, as well as their enthusiasm, and the knowledge and confidence they gain throughout the process.”
The pupils plans are scored and the top six teams are invited to the final where the pupils present their ideas to the panel of Dragons.
Information has been sent to all secondary schools in North Lanarkshire and pupils are being invited to discuss ideas with their teachers who can register up to two teams per school by the deadline of Tuesday, September 17.
Dragon’s Lair is run by the council and Business Gateway Lanarkshire, with sponsorship this year from UK Steel Enterprise.
Scott Webb of UK Steel Enterprise, sponsors of Dragon’s Lair, said: “UKSE is delighted to be involved in Dragon’s Lair again.
“It is a fantastic initiative to introduce our young people to the world of business and the potential of starting up their own company one day.
“I never fail to be impressed by the ideas the pupils come up with and can’t wait to see what we get this year. I urge all teachers to encourage their S3 pupils to apply.”
Teams must be registered by teachers by 1pm on Tuesday, September 17 by emailing Bainj@ northlan.gov.uk