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Building Entrepreneurial Mindsets in Teenagers: Lessons from Education and Practice

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When we think about entrepreneurship, we often picture ambitious adults pitching to investors or launching tech startups. But the entrepreneurial mindset doesn’t begin in adulthood—it starts much earlier, often during teenage years when curiosity, creativity, and confidence are at their peak.

Over the years, through writing stories for young audiences and delivering workshops in schools, I’ve come to believe one thing strongly: we’re not doing enough to nurture entrepreneurial thinking in teenagers. And yet, doing so is essential—not just to create future founders, but to shape adaptable, proactive, and resilient individuals.

What Is an Entrepreneurial Mindset, Really?

It’s not just about starting a business. An entrepreneurial mindset is a way of thinking and acting. It includes:

  • Problem-solving
  • Creative thinking
  • Taking initiative
  • Learning from failure
  • Seeing opportunity where others see obstacles

It’s a mindset that benefits all young people—whether they become entrepreneurs, freelancers, employees, or changemakers.

What I’ve Learned from Writing and working with Young Audiences

In my recent work with teenagers, I was amazed by how easily young people are connected with themes of resourcefulness, teamwork, hustle, and standing out from the crowd.

What I realised is this: teenagers are naturally entrepreneurial—they just don’t know it yet.

They’re already flipping clothes on Depop, building YouTube channels, creating TikTok trends, and running gaming communities. But without support from education systems, much of this talent remains unrecognised and underdeveloped.

What Schools Can Do to Nurture Entrepreneurial Thinking

Here are practical, proven ways schools can foster this mindset:

1. Teach Through Projects, Not Just Theory

Entrepreneurs learn by doing. Let students solve real-world problems through project-based learning. Set challenges like:

  • Create a product for your local market
  • Launch a campaign to tackle a social issue
  • Prototype an app that solves a school-based frustration

2. Celebrate Failure and Resilience

Most schools reward perfect answers and punish mistakes. Entrepreneurship flips this: failure is part of the process. Create safe spaces where students can test ideas, make mistakes, and reflect on what they’ve learned.

3. Bring in Real Entrepreneurs

Guest speakers, mentors, and local business owners bring fresh energy and authentic stories. Teenagers respond well to people who’ve actually walked the path—not just those teaching from slides.

4. Create Micro-Enterprise Opportunities

Set up “school businesses” that students can run—like snack shops, event services, or merch lines. Let them manage budgets, handle marketing, and experience real risk and reward. Young Enterprise is a great formula for school to use.

5. Make it Cross-Curricular

Entrepreneurship doesn’t belong to business studies alone. Science, art, design, IT, even English—all have space for entrepreneurial thinking. Link subjects to innovation, storytelling, and problem-solving.

6. Encourage Independent Learning

Entrepreneurs are self-starters. Give students the freedom to explore their own interests and ideas, whether through personal projects, blogs, or digital content creation.

A Vision for the Future

Imagine schools that see every student as a potential innovator. Classrooms where creativity is valued as much as compliance. Timetables that include financial literacy, digital skills, ethical leadership, and storytelling.

That’s not a dream—it’s a blueprint for a future-ready generation.

Final Thoughts: Start Now, Start Young

Teenagers are already full of entrepreneurial energy. Our job as educators, parents, and mentors is to guide that energy, provide structure, and most importantly—believe in their potential.

Whether or not they ever start a business, students with an entrepreneurial mindset will be better equipped to adapt, create, and lead in a world that desperately needs new ideas.

Let’s stop asking kids what they want to be when they grow up, and start asking:
What problem do you want to solve today?

Blog

Ten Cultural Shifts to Make the UK More Entrepreneurial Ahead of the Budget

As we approach the upcoming UK Budget, there is a growing call to foster a more entrepreneurial culture across the country as the current press and politics is centred around a negative view point of business, owners and entreprenurs.

While economic policies will play a key role, creating a lasting entrepreneurial mindset requires cultural shifts that can empower individuals to take risks, innovate, and turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

So, here are ten ways the UK could redesign our culture to promote entrepreneurship:

1. Embrace a Risk-Taking Mindset

In the UK, failure is often viewed negatively, but in entrepreneurship, failure is all part of the journey. To build a more entrepreneurial society, we need to change the perception of failure from something to be feared to something that offers valuable lessons. If risk-taking becomes celebrated, more people will feel encouraged to start their own ventures without the fear of judgment.

2. Embed Entrepreneurship in Education

Entrepreneurship should be a cornerstone of our education system. By integrating entrepreneurial thinking into the curriculum from primary school through university, students can learn how to identify opportunities, take initiative, and solve real-world problems. Practical experiences, such as starting small businesses or participating in startup projects, can equip students with the skills and confidence to become future business leaders. Take a look at this blog for more detail.

3. Encourage Creativity and Innovation

Innovation drives entrepreneurship, and to cultivate that, we need to promote creativity at all levels. Whether in schools, workplaces, or community spaces, creative problem-solving and the ability to think outside the box should be celebrated. Businesses and institutions must support and reward innovative ideas, not just in tech but across all sectors.

4. Redefine Career Paths

The traditional linear career path—school, university, career—no longer fits the evolving world of work. A more entrepreneurial culture should embrace flexible career paths, where individuals feel empowered to pivot, explore, and start businesses at any stage in their lives. The student loan system, the use of mirco credits and more flexible live long learning is needed now. Whether you’re a graduate or a retiree, there should be encouragement and support to embark on entrepreneurial endeavours.

5. Highlight Diverse Success Stories

To inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, we need a broader range of role models. Media and public campaigns should celebrate success stories from all walks of life, not just the well-known tech entrepreneurs. Showcasing entrepreneurs from different backgrounds, industries, and regions will make entrepreneurship feel more accessible and inclusive.

6. Promote Collaboration Over Competition

Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a solo journey. A more collaborative culture, where people share resources, ideas, and knowledge, can drive innovation forward. Encouraging co-working spaces, business hubs, and mentorship networks can foster an environment where entrepreneurs support each other rather than compete. Collaboration fuels creativity and growth.

7. Improve Financial Literacy and Access to Capital

Financial literacy is crucial for entrepreneurship. People need to understand how to manage money, secure funding, and make informed financial decisions. In addition to education, there needs to be easier access to funding, whether through micro-credits, peer-to-peer lending, or venture capital. Financial resources must be made more available to those with great ideas but limited means.

8. Simplify Regulations and Bureaucracy

Starting and running a business can often feel overwhelming due to complex regulations and administrative hurdles. By simplifying tax systems and reducing red tape, we can make it easier for entrepreneurs to focus on what really matters—growing their businesses. The government has a role to play here, ensuring that startup founders can access grants, incentives, and support without unnecessary delays or obstacles.

9. Support a Healthy Work-Life Balance for Entrepreneurs

There’s a common stereotype that entrepreneurs need to sacrifice everything—sleep, social life, even family time—to succeed. While hard work is important, burnout can deter many from pursuing entrepreneurial dreams. By promoting a healthier work-life balance and offering mental health support for entrepreneurs, we can encourage more people to take the leap without compromising their well-being.

10. Build a Culture of Mentorship and Peer Support

Mentorship is one of the most valuable resources for entrepreneurs, but it’s often underutilized. If we create a culture where experienced entrepreneurs are willing and encouraged to mentor up-and-coming talent, it will strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This peer support can be the key to success for many new businesses, helping to guide them through challenges and growth stages.

A Cultural Shift for Economic Growth

As we look to the future, the UK still has the potential to become a leading entrepreneurial nation. But it won’t happen through policy alone—cultural change is essential. By embracing risk, supporting creativity, and building systems that nurture entrepreneurship, we can create a thriving, innovative economy. With the right changes, we can inspire the next wave of UK entrepreneurs and position the country as a global leader in innovation and enterprise.

As the UK Budget approaches, let’s take this opportunity to reflect on not only the financial measures needed but also the cultural transformation that can unlock the entrepreneurial potential within our society. The future of UK business could be brighter than ever.

Enterprise Education, Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets, Inclusive Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Economic Development in Africa

Introduction In the vibrant tapestry of Africa, brimming with potential and diverse cultures, entrepreneurship stands as a powerful tool for economic transformation. This dynamic force is pivotal for stimulating economic growth, offering solutions to unemployment, and enhancing the quality of life. This blog explores the transformative role of entrepreneurship in Africa’s economic landscape and examines global government policies that successfully support such initiatives.

The Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth. It fosters innovation, creates job opportunities, and can effectively address socio-economic issues like poverty. Entrepreneurs introduce new ideas to the market, enhancing competitiveness and propelling industries forward. Their ventures, therefore, are not just business entities but catalysts for change.

Global Government Policies Supporting Entrepreneurship Governments around the world have recognized the importance of nurturing entrepreneurship. Here are some successful strategies:

  • Funding Access: In South Korea, the government has established several funds specifically for startups, providing the financial support needed for early-stage growth. Similarly, Israel’s innovation authority offers various grants and incentives for research and development.
  • Education and Training: Finland’s education system, renowned for its innovation, integrates entrepreneurial learning from a young age. Singapore’s focus on lifelong learning and skill development also provides a solid foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs.
  • Tax Incentives and Grants: Ireland’s friendly tax environment for businesses, especially for start-ups, has attracted entrepreneurs globally. Canada’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program provides tax incentives to encourage businesses to conduct research and development.
  • Streamlining Regulations: New Zealand’s easy and straightforward process for starting a business has made it a top destination for entrepreneurs. Australia’s reduction in bureaucratic red tape has significantly improved its business environment.

Entrepreneurship in Africa: Current Landscape and Success Stories Africa is witnessing a surge in entrepreneurial ventures, from tech startups in Kenya’s Silicon Savannah to agribusinesses in Nigeria. Governments across the continent are increasingly acknowledging the role of entrepreneurship in economic development. For instance, Rwanda’s focus on creating a business-friendly environment has led to a significant increase in entrepreneurial activities.

Policy Recommendations for African Governments African governments can foster a nurturing environment for entrepreneurship through several strategies:

  • Develop Tailored Policies: Given Africa’s diverse economic landscapes, policies need to be customized to suit local needs.
  • Enhance Access to Finance: Implement funding initiatives, including grants and venture capital, tailored for African entrepreneurs.
  • Invest in Entrepreneurial Education: Integrating entrepreneurship in the education system and offering training programs can build a robust entrepreneurial culture.
  • Create a Supportive Regulatory Environment: Simplifying the business registration process and offering tax breaks can encourage more individuals to start businesses.
  • Foster Private-Public Partnerships: Collaborations can lead to innovative solutions and support for the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
  • Encourage Technological Innovation: Supporting tech startups with infrastructure and funding can lead to rapid growth and scalability.

The Role of International Collaboration Partnerships with global institutions can bring additional knowledge, funding, and support, helping to amplify local entrepreneurial efforts.

Conclusion Entrepreneurship holds the key to transforming Africa’s economic landscape. With strategic policies, education, and support, African nations can unlock the potential of their entrepreneurs, propelling the continent towards a prosperous and innovative future.

This expanded version now encompasses a more detailed analysis, specific examples, and a comprehensive look at how entrepreneurship can drive economic development in Africa.

Blog, Ideation

Reviving Local News in the Digital Era: A Game-Changing Venture

The Problem: Local News Left Behind In our fast-paced, globalized world, local news has often been overshadowed by the big players in media. However, there’s a growing craving for news that hits closer to home, stories about our neighborhoods, and information that impacts our daily lives. This is where our innovative platform comes in, ready to fill that crucial gap in local reporting.

A Digital-First Strategy: Quality Journalism Meets Interactivity Picture this: a digital platform where local news isn’t just read; it’s experienced. We’re talking real-time updates, in-depth analyses, heartwarming human stories, and a focus on local businesses and events. With multimedia content like videos and podcasts, we’re turning local news into a rich, engaging narrative.

Hybrid Revenue Model: Sustainability Meets Community Here’s the cool part – our approach to making this sustainable. A mix of advertising, subscription models, community funding, sponsored content, and event promotions. It’s about creating a win-win: top-notch journalism for our readers, and a stable, flourishing platform for local journalism.

Technology at the Forefront: Personalized and Engaging Imagine a website and mobile app that know what you’re interested in. Thanks to AI and machine learning, our platforms will offer personalized content recommendations, making every user’s experience unique and engaging.

Community at Heart: More Than Just News But wait, there’s more! Beyond news, we’re a hub for community voices. Polls, forums, discussions – it’s about creating a two-way street where everyone’s voice can be heard. We’re turning passive readers into active community members.

The Team: Passionate, Experienced, and Ready Leading this charge is a team of experienced journalists, savvy digital marketers, and tech whizzes. We’re not just professionals; we’re people who care deeply about bringing local stories to the forefront.

Financials and Future: Growth and Impact With a solid revenue model, we’re aiming for sustainable growth. We’re not just launching a platform; we’re nurturing a community-centric space where local journalism thrives.

Your Role: Be Part of the Change Here’s your invitation to join this journey. Your investment, your support, your readership – it all contributes to redefining local journalism in a way that resonates with and enriches our community.

Conclusion: The future of local news is here, and it’s digital, interactive, and community-driven. We’re not just reporting news; we’re creating a space where local life flourishes and where every story matters. Ready to be part of this exciting journey into the new era of local journalism?

What are your thoughts on this digital transformation of local news? Let’s chat about how you see the future of journalism and community engagement!

Are these insights and perspectives what you were hoping to include in your blog? Feel free to share any specific areas you’d like to focus on or expand!

The portfolio of Business Models needed

Transitioning a local newspaper to an online format involves exploring various business models. Let’s delve into a few common models, along with their pros and cons:

  1. Advertising Model
    • Pros: A traditional revenue stream; ads can be targeted to local businesses, potentially fostering community partnerships.
    • Cons: Over-reliance on ads can make the newspaper vulnerable to market fluctuations; too many ads can degrade reader experience.
  2. Subscription Model
    • Pros: Provides a steady revenue stream; reinforces the value of the content.
    • Cons: Might deter readers initially; requires high-quality, unique content to convince readers to pay.
  3. Freemium Model
    • Pros: Offers a balance, providing free access to basic content while reserving premium content for subscribers.
    • Cons: Determining the right content to keep free versus premium can be challenging.
  4. Sponsored Content
    • Pros: Can be lucrative if aligned well with the audience and local businesses.
    • Cons: Risks blurring the line between editorial and advertising content, which might affect credibility.
  5. Community Funding or Membership Model
    • Pros: Builds a sense of community; members may feel more connected and invested in the content.
    • Cons: Requires a loyal audience base; managing membership perks can be resource-intensive.
  6. Events and Workshops
    • Pros: Diversifies revenue; enhances community engagement.
    • Cons: Requires extra planning and resources; might be challenging in times of social distancing.
  7. E-commerce and Merchandising
    • Pros: Additional revenue stream; opportunity to promote local culture and products.
    • Cons: Diversifies focus from core journalism activities; inventory management can be complex.
  8. Crowdfunding for Specific Projects
    • Pros: Can fund specific, ambitious projects that might interest the community.
    • Cons: Not a sustainable model for long-term funding; requires a strong pitch to convince backers.

Each of these models offers different advantages and poses unique challenges. A local newspaper might need to adopt a hybrid approach, combining several models to create a robust and sustainable online business.

9 stages, Blog, Globalization, Ideation, Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Resources

Equality Entrepreneurship

Introduction

I often get into a conversation about finding and exploring your niche market, finding that first customer group who really needs your products. At a startup phase, you need these to be clearly identifiable, you need to focus on them to the point whereby you service their needs 100%, and yes, to the determinant of the mass market, because with limited resources, time, and money, you need to demonstrate revenue, the customer need, and the future of of your business. Before you move on…

Yet, I still have people who say you need to treat everyone the same, What happens if someone outside this group wants my product? (Yes, sell it to them, learn about them.).

So they question the ethics, the morals, and the logic of the statement.

And yes, these people never start businesses, never really understand that not everyone is the same, which is why we have market research.

So, I’m going to now talk about where I ground myself on this, its is simply Article 1 of the the UNHR.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

So for those of you who are not familiar:

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Here.

This is the number one business principle we should all be thinking about.

So how does this play out in a startup?

Now I know at this point I should be saying that “we should Create an Inclusive and Diverse Workplace, Conduct regular training sessions on topics like human rights, diversity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination plus Develop clear policies that reflect the commitment to these principles, including non-discrimination, anti-harassment, and equal opportunity policies.” But, for me its about the doing, not about the policies or the committees.

So here are six practical principles which I think will help you make your startup better :

1, Create an Inclusive and Diverse Workplace:

  • Hire employees on varying contracts which support their worklife balance from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a mix of genders, races, ethnicities, ages, religions, and other backgrounds.
  • Implement policies that actively promote inclusion and prevent discrimination. OK, it still has to be explicit.

2, Inclusive Product and Service Design:

  • Design your products or services to be inclusive and accessible to all, considering diverse needs and abilities. Yes, as much as possible, everyone can use and access the products.
  • Involve diverse groups in the design and testing process to ensure that products are universally usable.

3, Community and Employee Initiatives:

  • Engage employees and local communities in local initiatives that reflect the principles of equality and dignity. This includes supporting schoolchildren on placements in your business to helping out at local events, it works both ways.
  • Promote a sense of ownership and community involvement for all stakeholders.

3, Innovative Work Models:

  • Experiment with non-traditional work models like job sharing, work from anywhere in the world, four-day workweeks, or results-only work environments (ROWE) to promote work-life balance and reduce burnout. Entrepreneurship is a team sport and not everyone has to be on the pitch all the time.
  • These models can demonstrate respect for employees’ time and personal lives, contributing to a sense of dignity and equality.

5, Transparent Decision-Making Processes:

  • Implement a transparent decision-making process that involves employees at various levels. Think of systems like “kaizen” which was developed by the Japanese.
  • Encourage open forums or use digital platforms for employees to voice opinions on company decisions, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. Remember, you can’t please everyone all the time, its about the majority.

6, Ethical Supply Chain Transparency:

  • Ensure that your supply chain practices are transparent and adhere to sustainability and human rights standards.
  • Share this information with customers and stakeholders, highlighting efforts to promote sustainability, dignity and equality in the supply chain. If you get it wrong, open up and make it better as fast as you can.

I hope this helps make your startup a world-class one.