Business students from Stratford-upon-Avon College have taken on the College’s very own Dragons in a Dragon’s Den style project.
Students in their second year of the Business course paired up and prepared Business plans to present to a panel of various professionals including college staff, marketing and business specialists.
Each pair of students had to produce a presentation which included a description of their proposed business, a business plan, a financial forecast, examples of the product and what they are asking from the Dragons in return for their ‘investment’.
The students had to ensure they presented both the product and themselves well
The students came up with a range of ideas. Some focused on the food industry; Ben Fitzgerald and Grace Allard suggested a food van business with a focus on Greek cuisine, Charlotte Halton and Henry Hargreaves pitched Crumbly Crumbs, a motorised business selling a range of baked goods whilst William Freke and Joby Morris described Fitness Frosted, a cold beverage business aimed towards Gym users. Other students went in different directions with retro arcades and a travelling Barber van proposed as new business ventures.
The students received a mixture of constructive feedback from the Dragons. Some business plans needing tweaks and further consideration, with others already looking in great shape.
Some students even brought products in to show and share with the Dragons
The students really enjoyed the project. Charlotte and Henry who pitched Crumbly Crumbs commented on how it developed their business skills. Charlotte said: “The presentation element really helps with confidence building.” Henry added: “It really takes you outside your comfort zone, but it is such good fun.”
William and Joby also highlighted how these skills are transferable. Joby commented: “I hope to have my own digital marketing business so the skills developed in this project will help.” William added: “It is hard work but learning about this process so early on will be extremely useful when starting out in the business world.”
Business lecturer, Tom Collins, who was also a Dragon on the panel, highlighted why this project is so useful for the students: “It gives the students key business skills and insights into starting small businesses. It gives insight into being creative, planning and market analysis, as well as the logistics of running a business. It also brings more realism to the challenges of running a company.”
