HotShots Entrepreneur Academy
Company:
Hotshots Entrepreneurs Academy
Programme:
Future Innovators
Location:
Liverpool
Funding:
£30,000
Year funding:
2005
Website:
www.hotshotsacademy.com
Description/aims
The Hotshots Entrepreneurs Academy is a unique enterprise education programme that aims to uncover the next generation of entrepreneurs in the North West. It has recently opened its doors to secondary school pupils throughout Merseyside.
Why we funded
Merseyside is one of the most socially deprived areas of the country. But while educational attainment is low, the area is rich in talent, skill and innovation.
At the first Hotshots workshop, attended by more than 1,200 young people aged 14 to 19, organisers were "blown away" by the creativity shown by students when asked to submit their business ideas. These ranged from a device to carry heavy shopping bags to a college for young people expelled from schools.
The young people then attended a two day masterclass, where they learned about managing risk, creative thinking and commercialising ideas.
The Hotshots Academy also supports and fulfils the criteria of a new government initiative, where all 14 to 16 year olds are now entitled to five days' enterprise learning.
Impact/benefit
"It's no Pop Idol style gimmick," says Hotshots founder, Matt Johnson. "Each stage has been designed to have maximum impact on all participants, to ensure anyone with entrepreneurial flair goes away with a personalised roadmap to develop their ideas and ambitions."
Written: October 2006
Interview with Hotshots Academy winner