Innovative SEND Students Crowned Winners of 2024 Tycoon Enterprise Competition
Comm-Unity Hub, a business created by SEND students from Skills Centre Plus, has won the 2024 Tycoon Enterprise Competition at the Peter Jones Foundation Awards Ceremony. The team developed an innovative solution to help local communities with limited access to support services. As a result, they received a £1,000 award from entrepreneur and Dragons' Den star Peter Jones CBE.
Comm-Unity Hub was created to tackle the limitations of traditional community hubs by introducing a flexible, portable alternative that adapts to the unique needs of each community. Recognising that physical locations can create barriers for individuals with mobility or transport challenges, the Comm-Unity Hub is designed to bring essential services directly to Scunthorpe and surrounding areas. The initiative provides a wide range of services tailored to local needs, including food, clothing and toy banks, social activities like coffee mornings, knit-and-natter sessions, as well as practical workshops on digital skills, coding, and electrical repairs. The team also took home the Talentino 1k award too.
During the 2023-24 Tycoon Enterprise Competition, the Peter Jones Foundation supported 284 teams, made up of 1,183 students from 97 schools by offering a total of £40,398 in goodwill loans for teams to set up and run their businesses. Tycoon is a project-based programme which encourages young people to develop core enterprise skills, by giving students the opportunity to tackle the challenges of real-life business. They learn a range of skills including communication, resilience, leadership and creative problem-solving.
This year the Foundation launched an exciting new collaboration with Talentino, specifically designed for SEND learners. Talentino is an independent early career development company, who specialise in the early career development of young people with special needs and those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. Comm-Unity Hub’s achievement as a business created by SEND leaners marks a significant milestone for both Talentino and the Peter Jones Foundation, demonstrating the importance of accessible entrepreneurship.
Peter Jones CBE, Chairman of Peter Jones Foundation said:
“I‘ve been blown away by the ambitious and inventive businesses from this year's Tycoon Enterprise Competition. In challenging circumstances, nearly 90% of the student start-ups we funded turned a profit and that is testimony to the drive and determination of the UK's young entrepreneurs.”
At the Foundation, it is our mission to further enterprise education across the UK and beyond. We are proud of the tangible impact this programme has had over the last 12 years, and we want to commend all the students who have poured their hearts in their businesses.
Tycoon Winners 2023/24
Tycoon 750 KS 1-2 Winner: Crazy Christmas Creations from Eton End School
This team offered an arts and crafts stall where children made Christmas cards and baubles. All profits generated were reinvested by the school to promote its technological resources, ensuring that the spirit of giving continues to benefit the community after the holiday season.
Tycoon 1K, KS3-4 Winner: Sensory Explorers from Cann Bridge School
Students with severe learning difficulties and complex needs created affordable sensory products for people with additional needs. They sold items like fidget spinners and laser-cut wooden disks. With a unique understanding of their audience, their products engage the five senses and bring joy to the users.
Tycoon 1K, KS5 Winner: Christmas Crusaders from AKS Lytham
This business offered candles in different festive scents, along with recycled bottle lights, wooden coasters, and wooden reindeers. The team, affected by cancer, is committed to making a difference by donating their final profits to Cancer Research UK.
Tycoon 3K Winner: Leah’s Little Delights from East Durham College
This dessert business offered treats for different types of celebrations and occasions. The target market is college students and residents. For locals, the business provided affordable and personalised brownies, catering to a trend for homemade products.
Tycoon Business for Good Award: Resail Bags from St Catherine’s School
Passionate about sailing and the environment, this student made dog treat bags, tote bags, and wash bags, all crafted from recycled sails, offering customers high-quality products with a sustainability angle.
Tycoon Innovative Business Award: Stylux from Merchant Taylors’ School
This business is sold affordable accessories designed to upgrade and protect laptops used by students and staff at their school. By offering cost-effective alternatives to the school's IT department, they aimed to alleviate the financial burden on students and staff.
People’s Choice Award: Blissful Brownies from Icknield High School
The People’s Choice Award is a special prize as it is voted for by the guests that attended the ceremony. This gives the students the opportunity to impress the guests, making it interactive for both parties. An overwhelming 261 guests voted, with Blissful Brownies receiving the majority.
Blissful Brownies caters to students and individuals celebrating special occasions. Demonstrating their commitment and adaptability, the team even woke up at 3 am during Ramadan to bake on weekends. Additionally, they give back to the community by donating 10% of their profit to the Luton Food Bank.
For more information about Tycoon visit: www.tycoon.com