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As we enter what some are calling the fourth industrial revolution, teaching and developing the skills of enterprise will be of central importance to young people’s future success.

Start It is the sustainable entrepreneurship programme, created for students from Years 8 to 13 at St Paul’s and our partner schools. The programme provides a structured framework that helps students develop an entrepreneurial mindset. 

Supported by a network of alumni, parents, enterprise groups and investors, the Start It programme looks to share our wisdom and experience with young people as they acquire the knowledge and confidence to create their own businesses. As well as learning fundamental concepts of business, finance, and enterprise, students also master workplace skills including leadership, presentation, and self-discipline. Crucially, the programme is open to, and promoted amongst, all of the young people in the West London Partnership’s schools. A key focus of the partnership is to foster collaboration between different groups of students and to promote social enterprise.

For further information about events and the Start It programme, please contact Head of Enterprise at St Paul’s School, Nick Troen npt@stpaulsschool.org.uk or .

ESTER – The Start It Incubator 

The ESTER Incubator (named after Danish economist, Ester Boserup) allows young entrepreneurs aged 18-23 to take the skills and ideas they have learned and transform them into viable businesses that have positive social or environmental impacts.

The Incubator is designed to help early stage start-ups to succeed by providing resources, seed funding, mentoring and training. Founders must be at least 18 years of age at the time of their application.

The incubator spans 12 months, and requires successful applicants to develop their business idea from pre-seed concept to market readiness. To apply, individuals must submit a detailed business plan or pitch deck with a sustainable concept at its core, and undergo a follow-up interview to assess their startup’s credibility. Once approved, funding will be released promptly.

If successful, the entrepreneur/s will receive active support, including access to industry-specific mentors from the Start It networks, free professional advice, and funding of up to £10,000.

Recent ventures include: