Biggest youth market event held in Jersey

Wednesday 02 March 2016

Saturday was Market Day for the Student Business Challenge at the Central Market in St Helier.

For the first time, all the teams were under one roof, selling their products and showcasing their businesses to the shoppers of St Helier making it the biggest youth market event to take place in Jersey.

The Channel Islands Student Business Challenge supports 40 teams of students from Grainville, Haute Vallee, Jersey College for Girls and Victoria College to start-up and run their own businesses with an initial investment of £100 per team.  The Challenge, run by Barclays, EY, Ogier and Sure, gives teams two months to develop their business acumen before facing a final “Dragon’s Den” where they will need to impress the judges with their abilities to run a profitable business and / or benefit the local community. 

Headteacher of Victoria College, Alun Watkins, said: “Our students are thoroughly enjoying the Student Business Challenge.  They are benefitting from working in teams and gaining first-hand experience of the business world which supports the School’s commitment to providing a lifelong learning experience.”

Andrew Dann, Managing Partner at EY, said: “The Student Business Challenge Market gave the teams the chance to expand their customer base and maximise their sales.  I am hugely impressed with the enthusiasm and creativity that the teams are demonstrating.”

Bill Davies, Market Tenant Chairman, said: "The Central Market was excited to welcome participating students into the market community for the event.  The Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain valuable working experience in a competitive environment. We hope this event will inspire and encourage the next generation of young entrepreneurs to explore their own potential."

This year’s contestants are trading from January to March and selling healthy snacks and drinks, cakes and sweet treats as well as jewellery, candles, key rings, soaps and gifts as they compete to become the Overall Winner of the Channel Islands Student Business Challenge 2016.