products from Volt Endurance Fuel, and a coffee cart operating at the Ferrymead Night Markets called Double Shot Happy. Other ventures include streetwear apparel, guitar accessories, raw pet food, and farmers’ market food products. Alongside running their businesses, students participate in a range of challenges and events. The annual Elevator Pitch Competition remains a highlight of the year, culminating in a final hosted exclusively for Christ’s College by PwC in its Experience Centre. Students also attend industry workshops, develop professional networking skills, and learn how to communicate effectively in commercial environments. Importantly, students are encouraged to embrace discomfort – cold-calling potential customers, seeking suppliers, securing sales, and presenting to audiences. These “Having direct access to mentors with real experience has been invaluable.” – Lewis Devine-Smith
experiences develop resilience, confidence, and adaptability – qualities that will serve them well regardless of the career path they ultimately choose. For Monty Williams, this practical element is a key attraction. “I like taking responsibility and learning how to reach out and communicate with stakeholders.” Similarly, Jackson Grace reflects on the challenges and rewards of building a business with others. “It’s been a great experience developing our idea in a real-world setting. We’ve also found it interesting working through challenges and learning how to adapt and improve our business idea along the way.” Whether these students become future entrepreneurs, business leaders, or innovators in other fields remains to be seen. However, what is clear, is that programmes such as Business and Enterprise are helping young people develop the confidence, commercial awareness, and problem-solving skills required in an increasingly dynamic world. If the enthusiasm of the 51 students involved this year is any indication, the entrepreneurial generation has already arrived.
COLLEGE 2026
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