Budding bosses at primary schools across West Cumbria are preparing to set up their own mini businesses for the Cumbria Bright Stars challenge.

Organised by the Centre for Leadership Performance, the competition is designed to get the UK’s youngest entrepreneurs excited about business, build confidence and introduce them to leadership with help from the partner companies who fund the scheme.

A total of 23 schools have paired up with mentors from the Cumbrian business community to develop money-spinning ideas over the next eight weeks through investment and creativity.

Every Bright Stars school is given £50 with one simple instruction - to make it grow through investment and creativity over the course of the programme and turn their stakes into big money for chosen charities and their own school funds.

Children as young as five will build confidence and aspirations as they sample the excitement of running their own mini-companies.

Business partners introduce the tiny tycoons to leadership, team work and management along with business basics including accounting, planning, manufacturing, and marketing.

There will be a winner in each of the five categories: Most Profitable Business, Best Business Idea, Best Example of Leadership, Best Effort and Judges’ Favourite.

The winners will receive £500 to spend in their school, with the judging panel making awards not simply based on who raises the most money, but also rewarding commitment and imaginative ideas.

Dianne Richardson, social impact and communications manager at Balfour Beatty, will this year again work with St James’ Junior School in Whitehaven.

She said: “Through early engagement, we are committed to ensuring young people gain the necessary skills to become our future leaders.

"Working with the young people is tremendously energising and really gives you a fresh perspective on your own work within the company environment.”

CforLP works with business leaders and managers across the county to further develop their leadership skills. Those leaders and businesses recognize that raising the aspirations and confidence of Cumbria’s young people and fostering an enthusiasm for working with local companies is vital for the future economy of the county.

CforLP business development manager Sarah Glass said: “It is hugely exciting to see the children running their own businesses positively light up as they taste success. We want young people to aspire to work in local business sectors through this positive experience.”

The full list of West Cumbrian schools twinned with local businesses is as follows:

Bransty Primary School – Orian

Bridekirk School – Armstrong Watson

Broughton Junior School – National Nuclear Laboratory

Dearham School – Iggesund Holmen Group

Ennerdale and Kinniside C of E Primary School - AECOM

Frizington Community Primary School – Areva

Gosforth Primary School – Wood

Hensingham Primary School – Atkins Global

Maryport Infant School – Allerdale Borough Council

Monkwray Junior School – Westlakes Engineering

St James C of E Infant School in Whitehaven - Responsive Ltd

St James’ C of E Junior School in Whitehaven - Balfour Beatty

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Kells – Doosan Babcock