25 March 2024
Fife College was delighted, once again, to have played a part in the annual Social Enterprise Schools Dragon’s Den event, delivered in partnership with the Social Enterprise Academy, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), and Economic Development.
The event saw primary and secondary school pupils across Fife present a variety of social enterprise ideas to a distinguished panel of ‘Dragons’ at the Carnegie Conference Centre.
Among this year's Dragons was our very own Adam Fairweather, Academic Head of Business, Enterprise and Tourism with Supported Programmes. Adam, alongside fellow Dragons Marissa-Yassen Fleming from Business Gateway Fife; Adam Robertson of Kalopsia Collective; and John Penman, Managing Director of Fife Fabrications Ltd, evaluated the pitches from young, aspiring entrepreneurs. These students not only showcased their innovative social enterprise ideas, they demonstrated their commitment to supporting causes close to their hearts.
The event underscored the collaborative spirit that allows and encourages pupils to exhibit their entrepreneurial skills while contributing to building future communities and aligns with the Scottish Government’s goal of integrating sustainable social enterprise into every school's curriculum.
Highlights included an impressive pitch from St Andrews RC in Kirkcaldy, which secured them a win with their heartwarming social enterprise aimed at supporting domestic abuse survivors through the sale of homemade sock snowmen filled with rice-infused essential oils. Bellyeoman Primary School also shone, winning recognition for their dedication and innovative project, further emphasising the importance of giving back to the community.
Maria Lloyd, Head of Education and Children’s Services, Fife Council said:
“This was a fantastic Dragons’ Den in Dunfermline Den event with 11 of our schools pitching their entrepreneurial ideas perfectly. I was pleased to see them so well prepared and excited to take part.
“It really is a great way for participants to develop and demonstrate their communication skills and teamwork. They came away feeling encouraged and proud in their ideas.”
Reflecting on the event, Adam Robertson from Kalopsia Collective commended the young entrepreneurs’ understanding of, and commitment to, addressing community challenges:
"Being part of the Dragons’ Den 2024 was an amazing experience. The quality of enterprises these young people have created is exceptional. I was blown away by their understanding of challenges facing their communities, as well as their willingness to take them on and make some profit too!
“Opportunities to engage in enterprise at this age adds value to both students and the wider community, they help to lay the foundation for the next generation of socially minded businesses. I'm excited to see what the students go on to do next!”
At Fife College, we understand the power of enterprise in transforming lives and communities. Events like these play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of socially minded businesses.
