On Monday 22nd August I attended the finals for the Side Hustle Initiative 2022, which was set up by Your Game Plan. In it’s second year, the Side Hustle initiative gives young people the platform to turn their big ideas into a reality.
ACCA, our Professional Body, are one of the sponsors of the event, and asked me, as an ACCA Advocate, to join the team and deliver a workshop on why knowing your numbers is vital for business owners. The main sponsor of the initiative, FinnCap, also delivered a workshop on delivering a great pitch – which was really interesting.
Two ACCA Advocates and two representatives of FinnCap made up the judging panel who got to listen to all 28 finalists pitch on their business Dragon’s Den style. We were all blown away with the pitches – both the amazing ideas, and the confidence of these young entrepreneurs. Judging was definitely hard.
The winner, JW Sports Massage won a £2500 investment in her business, as well as 6 months mentoring. I’ve got to say – I was super impressed by her natural entrepreneurship. What she has achieved already is amazing, so I’m looking forward to seeing where she goes next!
The 3 runners up all got a £1500 investment for their businesses, and 6 months mentoring.
And the Third Place finalists all got a £500 investment in their businesses, and 6 months mentoring. STEM Medley did their pitch through a video call as they were on a family holiday – now that is dedication!
A huge well done to all the finalists and of course the winners. As I said before, I was blown away with each of the young entrepreneurs, they all did themselves proud! I’m already looking forward to next year.
Read more about the winners and their businesses here. PS. If you, or someone you know, wants to enter next years event they’re taking pre-registrations now!
