Staffordshire County Council’s Ignite programme, delivered by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, supports students to develop real‑world business skills through classroom learning, online modules and intensive workshops.
Ignite has already helped more than 30,000 young people across the county to build confidence and develop skills in areas such as marketing, finance, business planning and teamwork.
New for this year is the Ignite Pitch Challenge, which gives students the chance to take part in a Dragon’s Den‑style competition. Working in teams, participants will develop a business idea and pitch it to a panel of judges, with vouchers and other prizes to be won.
Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s Acting Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “Ignite continues to make a real difference for young people across Staffordshire, helping them to develop the skills and confidence they need for the future.
“The new Pitch Challenge is an exciting addition to the programme and will give students a fantastic opportunity to bring their ideas to life, work as a team and learn what it takes to pitch a business idea.”
Last year alone, more than 4,500 students took part in Ignite, with 92 per cent saying the content was useful in helping them to set up a business.
Supporting talent, skills and inclusive growth across Staffordshire sits at the heart of the county council’s economic strategy.
