From Ideas to Investment: How NextGen Elevate Is Supporting Young Entrepreneurs

At Portobello Business Centre, we believe young people should have the tools, confidence and support to turn their ideas into something real. That belief came to life with the 2026 launch of NextGen Elevate Student Entrepreneurship Programme, a hands-on entrepreneurship programme designed to help students explore business, build confidence and develop ideas they can take forward.

Over the course of the programme, students progressed from early-stage ideas to structured business concepts, gaining practical skills in entrepreneurship, marketing and finance. Just as importantly, they built confidence, resilience and the ability to communicate their ideas clearly - skills that will support them far beyond this programme.

A snapshot of Day 2: students bringing their ideas to life

Day 1: Building the foundations

The programme began by introducing students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. They explored what it means to be an entrepreneur, from spotting opportunities in the market to turning ideas into real businesses, while also considering the wider impact businesses can have through innovation, job creation and social change.

Students then began developing their own ideas, focusing on solving real problems and identifying clear target customers. Using tools like mind mapping and SWOT analysis, they started shaping their concepts into something more structured and realistic. They were also introduced to key business concepts including business models, structures and market research, alongside the importance of networking and support.

By the end of the day, students had a clearer idea, a defined audience and the beginnings of a pitch - a strong foundation to build on.

Day 2: Understanding customers and building a brand

Day 2 shifted focus to marketing and how businesses connect with customers. Students explored key questions around who their audience is, where to reach them, what to say and why customers should care. They tested their ideas through feedback and began refining their approach, learning the importance of validation rather than assumption.

Alongside this, they developed their brand identity, including their business name, message and visual direction. By the end of the day, students had a clearer understanding of how to position their business and communicate its value turning ideas into something others could understand and engage with.

Day 3: Making the numbers work

The final workshop focused on finance, helping students understand what it takes to make a business viable. They explored key concepts such as revenue, costs and profit, and created simple budgets and pricing strategies for their ideas. Students also learned about break-even points, funding options and the basics of running a business in the UK, giving them a realistic understanding of how to move from idea to execution and make informed decisions along the way.

As part of the experience, students were taken into the local area to engage directly with established businesses across a range of industries, from fashion and food to textiles. This ensured they could connect with businesses that reflected their own interests and ideas.

We visited Nushkas, a Portobello Business Centre client, where students heard first-hand from a local business owner. The session was highly interactive, with students asking thoughtful questions about profit margins, managing a physical premises and the realities both the challenges and rewards of running a business. This hands-on experience was a highlight for many and helped bring their learning to life in a practical and meaningful way.

Lessons from Those Who’ve Done It

A key highlight of the programme was the opportunity for students to hear directly from real entrepreneurs. We were pleased to welcome Simon Yemoh who is founder of Clije and Boyowa O founder of Stennah and Hope, two business owners who shared their personal journeys, challenges and successes with the group.

Hearing first-hand experiences helped bring entrepreneurship to life, showing students what it really looks like beyond theory. Their honesty and insight gave students a clearer understanding of the realities of running a business, from early struggles to growth and resilience. It also helped build confidence, showing that entrepreneurship is something they can realistically pursue.

A big thank you to both of them for taking the time to support and inspire the next generation.

Final Pitch Day: Bringing it all together

The programme concluded with a final pitch, where students presented their business ideas to a panel. In just five minutes, they explained their concept, target audience, marketing approach and future plans. This was a chance to bring together everything they had learned across the programme. More than anything, it was a moment of growth giving students the opportunity to present with confidence, think on their feet and take pride in what they had developed.

Student business ideas and support awarded

Our students proudly celebrating their achievements - we are so proud of their hard work and know they will go far.

Rather than awarding traditional first, second or third place prizes, the focus of Pitch Day was on how we could best support each student to take their idea forward.

Every business presented had real potential and received a share of funding from the £5,000 prize pot was allocated based on what each student needed most to move their idea into its next stage whether that was developing a product, building a brand or testing their concept in the market.

A responsible approach to funding

At PBC, we are committed to supporting young people in a way that is both empowering and responsible. Rather than giving funding directly as cash, all support is provided in kind. This means that any items or resources needed such as materials, branding, equipment or services are sourced and purchased by PBC on the students’ behalf.

This approach ensures that:

• Funding is used purposefully and effectively

• Students receive exactly what they need to progress their idea

• Support remains structured, guided and impactful

  
  

It also reflects our role as a trusted organisation. We take pride in delivering support in a way that is transparent, accountable and focused on long-term outcomes for the young people we help. With this in mind, the team at PBC will also be offering ongoing support to each of these young entrepreneurs for the next 12 months.

Dr Sheela Sharma, CEO of Portobello Business Centre and creator of NextGen Elevate, shares her perspective on the programme and its impact:

"The end of the programme is just the beginning. With tailored support in place, each student now has the opportunity to take meaningful next steps in developing their business and we look forward to continuing to support their growth as their ideas evolve. I developed NextGen Elevate to break entrepreneurship down into practical steps and create an environment where ideas can be explored, tested and developed with confidence. Our focus goes beyond business knowledge. We are committed to building transferable skills such as communication, problem solving, creativity and resilience, equipping young people for any path they choose. Programmes like NextGen Elevate demonstrate what is possible when young people are given the right support and space. In a short space of time, students progressed from early ideas to structured business concepts and confident presentations. We are incredibly proud of every student who took part. Their ambition, creativity and determination are a powerful reminder of the potential young people hold. They are the future and it is vital that we continue to invest in their development.

Know a young person who could benefit from an opportunity like this? NextGen Elevate will be returning help us reach them by sharing this and spreading the word across your network.