Know I Can Barnsley Big Challenge 2011-12

Barnsley young people are creating a buzz around town as they step up to the challenge and experience the excitement of setting up their own businesses.

After a successful pilot earlier this year involving  five local schools and local entrepreneurs the 'I Know I Can Barnsley Big Challenge 2011/12' is being launched on 18 November 2025 at the newly completed Barnsley College during Global Entrepreneur Week.

The initiative is being led and supported by employers on the Barnsley Work and Skills Board.  The IKIC Barnsley Big Challenge competition is a borough wide initiative that encourages young people (11-19) to set up their own businesses in a supported environment with the chance of receiving an initial £25 loan from a local entrepreneur, plus their ongoing support, to help them develop their business idea, make money and compete with other businesses for top honours.

Andy Chesterton, MD of Barnsley based Praxsoft Ltd, Work and Skills Board Member and IKIC Big Challenge Champion explains:

Through the IKIC Barnsley Big Challenge, we want to develop a pool of enterprising  young people and next generation entrepreneurs in Barnsley by inspiring them to step into the business world and nurturing their excitement and enthusiasm for creating career pathways for their futures!

We're also keen to stir up a sense of excitement and a willingness amongst existing local entrepreneurs and business people to inspire, support and encourage young people to set up their own businesses and make money.  Together we can grow a spirit amongst our local wealth creators of 'been there, done that, now we want to share it' and ultimately develop a network of likeminded entrepreneurs who want to support the growth of entrepreneurial spirit in Barnsley.

 We are looking for local businesses and entrepreneurs willing to share their experiences and invest in the next generation of Richard Bransons, Mary Portas and Peter Jones. If you are willing to take a chance and invest £25 and just a few hours of your time in supporting a team of budding entrepreneurs then contact Liz Yoxall at the Entrepreneur Exchange via liz.yoxall@be-sy.co.uk  We are sure you won't regret it and to quote one of the entrepreneurs involved in the pilot "This has changed my outlook on life and on my business".

 For more details visit:

http://www.iknowican.co.uk/bigchallenge or contact Liz Yoxall at the Entrepreneur Exchange via liz.yoxall@be-sy.co.uk