Young entrepreneurs are being supported to bring their business ideas to life in the Youth Enterprise Market Challenge.

The challenge has been launched to help young people create successful local market ventures as a joint project between South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council.

The project will work with 16 to 25-year-olds to help develop their knowledge and resources to transform business ideas into thriving market stalls.

The programme is funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered locally by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA).  

Three Chesterton Sixth Form students, who were among 20 young people who attended the workshops, said the project was a great way to teach business skills, branding, and marketing.

Mae Young, 16, said: “The workshops have been really insightful on what it’s like to run a business and how you sometimes have to take risks. My business idea is called Pasta Pipes, which are gluten- free pasta straws to replace plastic drinking straws. They’re environmentally friendly and don’t disintegrate like paper versions.” 

James Clark, 17, said: “I love food and want to launch a business that blends barbecue food from different cultures to introduce people to different dishes - my motto is: diverse by nations united by food.”

Fraser Prendergast, 17, said: “My business idea is gym clothing. The gym is a big part of my life, but I prefer wearing baggy clothing. A lot of gym wear is tight and revealing which I don’t want. Also, for cultural reasons, not everyone can wear tight revealing gym wear. There’s a real gap in the market and this grant will help give my gym brand idea a kick start and take it further.” 

The Youth Enterprise Support Programme will support 20 aspiring young traders aged 16-25 who want to start their own business. The programme will help develop business skills and includes opportunities to gain real market experience. Candidates will also have the opportunity to apply for grants up to £1,000 to help bring their business ideas to life.   

Cllr Alice Gilderdale, Deputy Leader with Executive Responsibility for Economy and Skills at Cambridge City Council, said: “There are many young people with great ideas who just need support and guidance to bring their ideas to fruition – that’s what we hope to do with the Youth Market Challenge. I can’t wait to see what new ventures they will bring to our city’s market where they can showcase their potential and test their entrepreneurial skills. Economic recovery remains a key part of the work we do and that includes creating opportunities for young people to contribute to the local economy.”

Cllr Peter McDonald, Lead Cabinet Member for Economic Development for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The Youth Market Challenge is a game changer for budding young residents, providing invaluable opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills and contribute to our local economy. It’s inspiring to see the potential and enthusiasm of our younger residents being channelled into such a positive endeavour. By turning their creative ideas into thriving market stall businesses, they are not only building a brighter future for themselves, but also enhancing the vibrancy of our communities.”

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson said: “This fantastic initiative aligns perfectly with our goal to boost sustainable economic growth and create more opportunity for all. By making the most of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we are helping young entrepreneurs turn their innovative ideas into tangible market ventures. This programme is more than business; it's about empowering our youth, helping the local economy, and building strong, vibrant communities.”