In this article
Entrepreneurship for young people means learning to spot a problem, come up with an idea and try it for real, whether that ends in a business or not. In the UK you can start on your own with free tools and courses, through school with programmes such as Young Enterprise and the Tycoon Enterprise Competition, or from 18 with The King's Trust. Here is how each one works and where to start at every age.
At a glance
- 6-18: Tycoon Enterprise Competition, through school, free.
- 13-19: Young Enterprise Company Programme, through school or college.
- 18-30: The King's Trust Enterprise programme, apply directly.
- Any age, on your own: We Can Be courses for 9-18 (Module 1 free), books and free tools.
The quick answer
If your school runs Young Enterprise or Tycoon, join. If it doesn't, don't wait: start something small on your own this term, and ask a teacher about the programmes for next year. The skills are the same either way.
Why it's worth it
Trying an idea brings together creativity, research, problem-solving, money and communication. You have to think about someone else's needs, explain your thinking, listen to feedback and decide what to change. That is useful in any job, not just in business.
It also gives you evidence. A small product, a campaign or a pitch is something real to talk about in a personal statement, a CV or an interview. In Santander research published in 2025, only 26% of 18-21-year-olds remembered any financial education at school and 79% had never made a budget, so the money skills alone put you ahead.
Start on your own
- Find an idea: 101 business ideas for kids or 24 business ideas for teens.
- Work out the money with the free profit calculator before you spend anything.
- Follow a course for your age: Pioneers (9-11), Innovators (12-14) or Trailblazers (15-18). Module 1 is free.
- Get inspired by UK female founders and women entrepreneurs who started with an idea like yours.
UK programmes and competitions
These are run by other organisations, not by We Can Be. Details were checked in October 2026, but ages, costs and funding change, so always check the organiser's website.
Young Enterprise Company Programme
Ages 13-19, through school or college
Students set up and run a real company for between 12 weeks and a full academic year. They appoint directors, raise start-up capital, launch a product or service, manage the finances and sell at trade events and on Young Enterprise's online Trading Station.
How to join: Schools and colleges sign up, usually through a teacher. If your school doesn't run it, ask a teacher to contact your local Young Enterprise team. In Northern Ireland and Scotland the programme is run locally, with slightly different age groups.
Visit their websiteTycoon Enterprise Competition
Ages 6-18, primary, secondary and FE
A free national competition from the Peter Jones Foundation. Schools and colleges can borrow up to £1,000 to start a business, run it and enter for awards, with categories for each key stage.
How to join: Entry is through the school or college, so share it with a teacher.
Visit their websiteThe King's Trust Enterprise programme
Ages 18-30
Free support for people who want to start a business in the UK: workshops on finance, marketing, planning and sales, help with a business plan, and mentoring after launch. Grants and loans may be available.
How to join: Apply directly. Check the current eligibility and funding on The King's Trust website, as these change.
Visit their websiteMany schools also run enterprise days or a stall at the summer fair. Teachers can find ideas in our guide to enterprise day ideas for schools, and Young Enterprise teams can pick a product from 40 Young Enterprise product ideas that sell.
What Young Enterprise taught me
I took part in Young Enterprise at school, and it sparked a passion for entrepreneurship that has stayed with me. Having the freedom to develop an idea, make decisions and put them into practice made business feel like something I could be part of. It is a big part of why I started We Can Be: more young people deserve that experience, regardless of who their parents know or which school they attend.
Where to start by age
Girls, this is for you too
Santander research found 63% of girls aged 11-18 had never considered starting a business. Our guide to girl entrepreneurs has ideas for parents and teachers at every age.
Start a course freeFrequently Asked Questions
What is Young Enterprise?
Young Enterprise is a UK charity that runs enterprise and financial education programmes for young people. Its best-known programme is the Company Programme, where students aged 13-19 set up and run a real company through their school or college, from appointing directors and raising start-up money to selling at trade events.
How do I join the Young Enterprise Company Programme?
Schools and colleges sign up, so ask a teacher whether yours takes part. If it doesn't, a teacher can contact the local Young Enterprise team. In the meantime you can practise on your own with free tools and courses.
What enterprise competitions are there for UK students?
The Tycoon Enterprise Competition from the Peter Jones Foundation is free for pupils aged 6-18 in primary, secondary and further education, and lends schools up to £1,000 to start a business. Young Enterprise's Company Programme also runs trade fairs and awards for students aged 13-19.
Can a young person start a business without a programme?
Yes. Most young entrepreneurs start small on their own: a stall, a service for neighbours or something made and sold online, usually with a parent's help. There are rules on contracts, tax and working hours for under-18s, so check them before you start.
What support is there for young entrepreneurs aged 18-30?
The King's Trust Enterprise programme gives free support to people aged 18-30 who want to start a business in the UK, including workshops, help with a business plan and mentoring after launch. Grants and loans may be available, so check the current details on their website.
Free for young people
Find your first business idea
Get an idea list matched to your age and interests, plus what to do in your first week.
I am a...
Keep exploring
Related posts
40 Young Enterprise Product Ideas That Actually Sell
40 Young Enterprise product ideas for your student company, with cost per item, selling price and who buys it - plus how to choose, price and sell at trade fairs.
Work Experience Ideas for Year 10 and 11 (UK Guide)
Placement ideas by sector, what 14, 15 and 16 year olds are allowed to do, how to ask so you get a yes, and what to do if you cannot find a placement at all.
Business Ideas for Teens UK: 24 Low-Cost Ideas That Actually Sell (2026)
24 realistic business ideas for UK teenagers - digital, local services, maker products and reselling - with honest start-up costs, what to charge, and the tax and age rules for under-18s.
How to Make Money as a Teenager in the UK: 27 Legal, Real Ways (2026)
A complete UK guide to making money as a teenager - 27 real, legal ways to earn from age 13 to 18. Covers work permits, tax-free allowance, summer jobs, online side hustles and how to turn earning into a small business.
Ready to turn ideas into action?
Our guided courses take you from idea to business plan - step by step with badges, certificates and real-world missions. Module 1 is free to start.