Student Entrepreneurship Bootcamp: How PBC Helps Young Entrepreneurs Turn Ideas into Businesses UK

Student Entrepreneurship Bootcamp | Business Training for Young Entrepreneurs at PBC

Most young entrepreneurs do not start with a business plan. They start with a thought they cannot quite shake.

It might be an idea scribbled in a notebook, something they talk about with friends, or a problem they keep noticing and thinking, there has to be a better way. But between school, exams, part-time jobs and life in general, knowing what to do next is not always obvious.

That is exactly the gap Portobello Business Centre set out to address with its Student Entrepreneurs Business Training Programme.

This is not about pitching like you are on a TV show or pretending you have everything figured out. It is about giving young people the space, structure and support to take their ideas seriously and build confidence through doing.

The programme is a short, intensive bootcamp designed for motivated 15–19-year-olds who want to explore entrepreneurship in a practical, supportive environment. Over one focused week, up to 50 participants come together for a series of hands-on workshops that walk them through the foundations of turning an idea into something viable.

Across the week, students work on:

• Developing and shaping their ideas

• Understanding their audience through market research

• Creating a brand and digital presence

• Learning the basics of finance and pricing

• Building confidence in presenting and pitching

  
  

Everything is delivered in person at Morley College London, with practical activity built into every day. This is not theory-heavy learning. It is about testing ideas, asking questions, making mistakes and learning from them in real time.

Along the way, participants are supported by experienced mentors and guest experts who understand what it is like to start from the beginning. They also get the chance to meet other young people who are navigating the same mix of excitement and uncertainty.

The week culminates in a pitching showcase. Teams present what they have been working on and have the opportunity to compete for a share of £5,000 in investment. For many, this is the first time they have spoken publicly about their idea and been taken seriously as a founder.

But the most important part of the programme often comes after the bootcamp ends.

Every participant receives 12 months of follow-up support and mentorship, helping them continue developing their idea, build confidence and take next steps at a pace that works for them. There is no pressure to rush. The focus is on progress, not perfection.

There are no formal entry requirements. Applicants simply complete a short online form and upload a two-minute video explaining why they would like to take part. What matters most is motivation, curiosity and a willingness to learn.

You do not need a finished business.You do not need to know all the answers.

You just need an idea and the confidence to explore where it might lead.

Applications for PBC’s Student Entrepreneurs Business Training Programme are now open.