Do you know anyone who wants to help shape the future generation of entrepreneurs, or someone who wants to give something back to the community? If so, then please let them know about this opportunity!
We’re looking for volunteer Business Advisers to support the Young Enterprise scheme in Rugby. The scheme offers students aged 15 to 17 the opportunity to set up and run their own real company over the course of an academic year (from late September to Easter), with the support and guidance of volunteer advisers from business.
The groups meet for an hour a week during term time, usually on business premises (subject to premises being offered by local businesses!). While the advisers are asked to lead the meetings for the first couple of weeks, beyond that the advisers are required to counsel and guide in the meetings, rather than lead and direct.
The students will elect a board of directors from amongst their peers, raise share capital, market and finance a real product or service of their own choice and sell it to the public. Through participating in the programme, they develop their enterprise knowledge and understanding, skills and attributes in a business context. They learn by doing, while coping with a changing and evolving business, and developing essential skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, managing risk, creativity, innovation and leadership.
There are benefits for the Business Advisers too (not least the opportunity to get out of the office for an hour once a week!). Advisers have the opportunity to meet other similarly committed local business people and broaden their business skills. In addition, for members of professional institutes (including ACCA, CIMA, CII, ICAEW, ICSA, IPD, IEE, CIB, CIM, CPS), Business Adviser activities can contribute as hours towards Continuous Professional Development requirements.
If you do know of anyone who would like to volunteer for the scheme or who would be able to provide business premises for the weekly meeting, please contact Rosie Callaway on 01788 521017 or at rosiec@thebestofboth.co.uk
Paul Knapman
Rugby FSB Branch Chairman
