11 Aug 2021
By Bejay Mulenga
This year’s applicants showcased their own version of magic with brilliant ideas, and the proposals from the 40 teams who made the final reminded me of my own enterprise education story. I didn’t win many awards at school, but I put myself forward for everything I could. The more projects I got involved in, the more confident I became. When I launched my first talent show with A Team Arts via Tower Hamlets Council, aged 13, a light bulb went off in my brain that forever changed my attitude towards work, life and my dreams. I quickly learned that if you can believe it, take action and be consistent – anything can happen. This was a powerful connection in my brain that allowed me to always stay motivated and to apply myself to tasks I set myself as you never knew what you could create.
Innovation competitions and workshops similar to the Amazon Longitude Explorer Prize helped shape my thinking as a teenager and encouraged my imagination, as it provided me the opportunity to interact with a wide range of people, engage with new materials and taught me how to work under a range of challenging conditions.
Watching the pitch videos and reading the entries from the participants of the Prize was so exciting. It filled me with so much joy as the levels of ambition and output was so high. I commend all the entries for their application in which they displayed creativity, openness and tenacity.
I’ve been on a mission for the last 10 years to try and help the next generation figure out their light-bulb moment. Some of the highlights have been creating the UK’s first Teen Run pop-up market in a 50,000 sq ft warehouse, winning the Queens Award for Enterprise Promotion and consulting for major brands, including Barclays, River Island, Facebook and Apple.
As with all competitions, there can only be one winner. However, it is what you do afterwards that makes a real difference. The lives and mindsets changed have no limit. Some of my biggest life lessons have come in the pit of failure or challenge – this is an important message that I strive to share. Below, I share some of the valuable life lessons I’ve picked up during lockdown.
Lesson One: The Future of Teenage Entrepreneurship is Bright
While young people are twice as likely to lose their jobs compared to their older counterparts during the pandemic, their future remains bright. As they say; “necessity is the mother of invention.” In fact, the number of teenagers setting up their own businesses is up tenfold since 2009. This is due to the rise of both technology and social media. If you have a mobile phone and a social media account, you are capable of changing your life sooner than you think.
Lesson Two: Teens are Diving into New Strategies
More teens than ever are learning to package themselves and create products readily available to purchase. Apps like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram provide a platform to start putting yourself out there and monetizing your ideas.
Back when Supa Tuck was founded in 2012, there was no such thing as TikTok, and influencers weren’t mainstream yet. It wasn’t easy to make money online. Hence, teens were making some extra cash by setting up shops in school. Things have completely shifted since then, with sites like Shopify and Squarespace making it easier than ever to set up an eCommerce store within minutes.
A Manchester teen had her eyelash business explode once it went viral on TikTok. Her products got over 70,000 likes and 400,000 views. She now is in school and running her business full time.
An American has created and coded a speech app to enable his non-verbal sister to communicate. Like many, he didn’t want to rely on expensive communication apps, making this version free and accessible to all, and in doing so he is positively affecting many lives.
Teens all over the world are getting creative. You can too.
Step 1: Skills Analysis
Start with what you know.
What have you been practicing for the past 3+ years? Something you consider a habit of yours at this point?
These can range from technical to practical skills.
Perhaps you’ve always had a knack for writing. Maybe you’re a good photographer. Or, you know how social media works like the back of your hand.
Step 2: What Feels Like Play to You?
Here’s the fun part.
Ask yourself: What do I like to do for fun?
Funny enough, this answer might not come to mind right away. Don’t overthink it. To figure it out, answer these questions:
You want to find something you’re naturally passionate about. You don’t have to be good at it. It has to be something that gets you going.
Step 3: Participate in a Challenge
Here’s where most teens get stuck.
They want to start their own business but don’t have any money to begin investing in capital.
Set up a challenge to make £100. Slowly climb up to £500, and £1,000.
The way you make money shouldn’t be related to the business you’re trying to run. Go for the odd jobs instead. Such as:
There are tons of possibilities out there!
Step 4: Find Resources
If you’re a young adult trying to go into entrepreneurship, the good news is that you’re not alone.
There are a plethora of organizations out there that back social entrepreneurs, and want them to succeed. Here’s a list of a few:
Amazon Longitude Explorer Prize
Think Big – by o2
Business Building Club – By Supa Network :
UnLtd
And many more!
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