Cultivate 2018 Grand Final Young Entrepreneur

Eight finalists, from local secondary schools were invited to Bayer, Reading, last week for the Cultivate 2018 grand final. Kira Edwards from Blessed Hugh Faringdon scooped the winning trophy and prize fund of £500.

 

Cultivate, a programme created by Education Business Partnership (EBP), now in its eighth year is a hugely successful initiative designed to encourage curious, self-motivated young people, aged 12-19, to take initial business ideas and turn them into a reality. The finalists presented to a panel of three business professionals; Michelle Smith of EBP, Stephen Boyle of Bayer and Jackie Osbourne of Buzz Magazine who then had the tough task of picking a winner!

 

Kira won the award for her Autism Help app, designed to help support autistic young people and their families. Kira said, “The experience was more challenging than I thought but it made me realise how I could help make such a positive impact for those with a disability. As someone who is autistic, I just want to help others in the same position and I think I can make a big difference. I’m really looking forward to taking the project forward.”

 

Michelle Smith, EBP’s Chief Executive Officer commented, “I was lucky enough to be a judge this year and I can honestly say choosing a winner from the eight finalists was incredibly difficult. The ideas just blew us all away and the enthusiasm and dedication these young people put into their projects was second to none.

 

“We are ever thankful to the business mentors who volunteered their time to help support the finalists to develop their ideas and prepare them to present in front of the judges. Huge thanks also go to Bayer for sponsoring the programme and hosting the interim panel and final. It was a wonderful evening with a fantastic atmosphere, the young people who made it to the final all did exceptionally well and should be proud of themselves. They all put in inspirational performances.”

 

If you would like to find out more about Cultivate, how your business could support a similar programme or how you could help mentor young people, please get in touch with Jane Grunseid, Developing Skills Manager on 01635 277496 or email [email protected]