Cultivating future business entrepreneurs

Eight finalists, from local secondary schools Reading Girls, Reading, Kennet School, Thatcham and St Bartholomew’s, Newbury were invited to Bayer in Reading, for the Cultivate 2019 grand final.

Cultivate, now in its 9th year, is our hugely successful initiative designed to encourage curious, self-motivated young people, aged 12-19, to take initial business ideas and turn them into a reality with the support of a business mentor. The finalists presented to a panel of three business professionals who then had the tough task of picking a winner! ‘Dimension 3DP’, made up of three Year 7’s from St Bartholomew’s were crowned Cultivate 2019 winners with their 3D printing business idea.

The team received £500 to help towards growing their business. Runners up receiving £250 were ‘Sarija Wear’, a Modesty fashion team made up of Sarah Soliman and Khaija Gouaddar from Reading Girls School and Mateja Tot also from Reading girls School with ‘Let it Blossom’ an environmentally friendly and biodegradable bag company.

Melanie Watt, Project Officer, said “We are ever so thankful to Bayer for sponsoring the programme. Everyone all did exceptionally well and should be proud of themselves.”

Find out how you could help mentor and inspire our future business entrepreneurs, through our varied volunteering and mentoring opportunities, by getting in touch!