Learn.je and NatWest International have celebrated the success of the first-ever Young Entrepreneurship Award Pitch Final, held on Saturday 6 December at the United Club, St Helier.
The event brought together Jersey’s most promising young innovators as they presented their business ideas after a year-long journey of creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial growth.
Launched in January 2025, the Young Entrepreneurship Award (YEA) programme equips students aged 14-18 with the entrepreneurial mindset and practical skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Through a blend of workshops, mentorship, and hands-on activities, students developed their ideas from early concepts to fully formed pitches. The programme focuses on creativity, financial literacy, problem-solving, adaptability, and real-world innovation.
The Final Pitch marked the culmination of months of learning and collaboration. Students delivered confident, articulate, and impactful presentations to a panel of judges, including representatives from NatWest International, local entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
“The YEA is more than a competition – it’s a transformative journey,” said Victoria Li, Founder & Director of Learn.je. “Students discover who they are, what they care about, and the kind of impact they want to create. Saturday’s pitches showcased not only entrepreneurial talent but also courage, empathy, and original thinking.”
Andrew Larose, NatWest International, delivered an inspiring address highlighting the bank’s commitment to empowering young people, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy: “By supporting this programme, we aim to help develop the next generation of entrepreneurs and foster a culture of financial literacy and economic growth.”
Three awards recognised outstanding achievements in innovation, impact, and entrepreneurial growth. Giles (Hautlieu School), Sienna (JCG) and Tiara (Hautlieu School) took home the three prizes for the year. This year’s finalists – Alan, Bronte, Laura, Lucas, Giles, Sienna, and Tiara – all demonstrated exceptional drive and creativity throughout the programme.
