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Congratulations to the Winners of the School Enterprise Challenge 2024
Global Winners
Best Global Business Idea
Team: Transforming the Wood Pallets
School: Conalep Valles
Country: Mexico
After assessing available resources in their community, a group of students from Conalep Valles saw an opportunity. They realised they could create a business using discarded wood pallets, which local businesses were willing to donate.
The students, aged 15 to 18, developed an innovative business idea to transform these pallets into functional, stylish furniture. This clever approach not only addressed waste but also promoted sustainability, tapping into a growing demand for eco-friendly products. Their business idea was not only creative but also practical, providing a valuable service to their community while creating a profitable venture. The team divided themselves into departments, from administration to production, to bring their idea to life.
Despite facing initial challenges, like limited carpentry experience and scarce materials, their creativity, teamwork, and resourcefulness helped them overcome obstacles. With initial funding from profits made by another successful school business, the Ecological PET Brooms, and the pallet donations, they produced 62 pieces of furniture.
Their smart marketing strategies, including a personalised catalog, along with a clear market demand for furniture in their community, helped them exceed their sales expectations, proving the strength and potential of their business idea. The team generated over $463 USD in revenue, with a net profit of $281 USD after reinvestment, further highlighting the success and viability of their business.
Best Global School Business
Team: Team VGS' Eco Entrepreneurial Biz
School: Venkateshwar Global School, Rohini
Country: India
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The Eco Entrepreneurial Biz team from Venkateshwar Global School in India has excelled in creating a sustainable, eco-friendly business. Through meticulous market research, the students identified a strong demand for affordable, eco-friendly products, giving their business a clear competitive advantage. Their range of products, including canvas bags sourced from NGOs supporting autistic children, handmade paper goods, HEMP bags, and recycled plastic T-shirts, taps into a growing market for environmentally conscious items.
What set them apart was their thoughtful approach to business. Their annual report highlighted well-defined departments and a focus on job rotation, where each student worked in 2-3 areas, gaining a broad understanding of the business. This fostered teamwork and skill development across the board.
The team also reflected on their challenges and refined their marketing strategies to improve their reach. The team’s dedication to learning and growth is also evident in their long-standing participation in the programme, and it has paid off with strong financial results, reporting profits of 479 USD for 2022 and 562 USD for 2023 and in 2024 458 USD.
Head Teacher (Principal) of the Year Award
Name: Gladis Yamileth Ramos
School: CEB Heriberto Alcántara
Country: Honduras
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In the small community of Delicias, Honduras, where only 180 people live, Gladis Yamileth Ramos is both the headteacher and the only teacher at CEB Heriberto Alcántara. She teaches all six grades with a focus on practical learning and problem-solving. To give her students hands-on experience, she gave them the opportunity to start a small school enterprise selling snacks during sports events. The money raised was used to buy a much-needed toilet for the school, a tangible result of their efforts.
When the 2024 School Enterprise Challenge was announced, Gladis was uncertain whether her small school could compete. However, she saw it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. She encouraged her students to think creatively and work as a team. Today, her students are not just learning academic subjects, they are gaining valuable entrepreneurial skills. Through this experience, Gladis has learned that education is about more than just teaching from textbooks; it's about giving students the confidence to take initiative and make a real impact.
Enterprising Student Award
Name: Aadya Shrivastava
School: M.L. Khanna DAV Public School
Country: India
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As President of the Sanjeevani school business at M.L. Khanna DAV Public School, Aadya Shrivastava led the creation of handcrafted resin art products. Overcoming challenges such as gaining customer attention and sourcing quality materials, Aadya demonstrated resilience and creativity, successfully launching and growing her team’s business through strategic marketing and effective negotiation.
In addition to her role in Sanjeevani, Aadya started her own business selling watercolour-painted bookmarks, further showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit. She guided her teammates to launch their own ventures, including a website design service, and provided workshops on essential skills such as Canva designing, public speaking, content writing, and finance. Her leadership cultivated an environment where every team member was encouraged to explore their own potential.
Aadya also combined her passion for entrepreneurship with sustainability, leading initiatives that promoted eco-friendly practices within her school. She introduced ideas like using recycled materials for resin products and advocated for sustainable fashion, showing how businesses can thrive while benefiting the environment. These initiatives not only brought positive change to her community but also showcased how entrepreneurship can be a force for good.
Legend Award
Team: Sustain-A-Pot, Ecospark, Bluvibe, and many more!
School: Utpal Shanghvi Global School and Prabhavati Padamshi Soni International Junior College
Country: India
Utpal Shanghvi Global School and Prabhavati Padamshi Soni International Junior College from Mumbai, India, has been awarded the prestigious Legend Award in the School Enterprise Challenge - a recognition of their long-standing commitment to student entrepreneurship.
Over the years, this legendary school has built a strong culture of enterprise, this year running three impressive student-led businesses, all focused on sustainability: Sustain-A-Pot, a line of biodegradable, easy-to-use plant pots that are now officially patented; Ecospark, a range of eco-friendly candles; and Bluvibe, a brand that turns recycled denim into chic, stylish products.
This award celebrates their dedication to empowering students through real-world business experience, and from this year on, other long-serving School Enterprise Challenge schools around the world will also be eligible for this honour.
Congratulations to Utpal Shanghvi Global School and Prabhavati Padamshi Soni International Junior College - a true legend in the world of student enterprise, who were presented with a physical trophy!
Best Global Business Plan
Team: 21st Century Salon
School: Majengo Secondary School
Country: Tanzania
In Tanzania, students at Majengo Secondary School had big dreams, so they founded the ‘21st Century Salon,’ a student-run hair cutting service. With the guidance of their teachers, the 40 students meticulously planned every aspect of their venture.
What set the 21st Century Salon’s Business Plan apart was their thorough market research. The team conducted surveys with 100 students and 5 teachers to ensure their salon met the real needs of the school community. Their findings allowed them to design a business plan that any successful business owner would admire. By focusing on affordable pricing, improved hygiene, and high-quality services, they crafted a salon that was not only sustainable but also impactful.
Their business plan projected $426 in sales in the first three months, with a net profit of $336. But their goals extended beyond just making money. The team wanted to use their earnings to enhance the salon, support underprivileged students, and contribute to improving their school. They clearly demonstrated how their business would create positive social change, focusing on eco-friendly practices and a commitment to social responsibility.
Additionally, the ‘21st Century Salon’ team displayed exceptional teamwork, leadership, and strategic thinking. With 40 students actively involved, they worked alongside their teachers to develop a detailed SWOT analysis, identifying strengths, challenges, and growth opportunities. Their focus on skill development—from barbering techniques to customer service—ensures the salon will not only provide a valuable service but also empower students with real-world entrepreneurial skills.
The team’s comprehensive operational plan and long-term vision for the business, along with their innovative approach and dedication to making a difference, made them the winners of the Best Global Business Plan award.
Sustainable Development Goals Champions
Team: Empower and Rise
School: Bal Bharati Public School, Rohini
Country: India
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The Empower and Rise team from Bal Bharati Public School, Rohini, New Delhi, India, has taken an inspiring approach to entrepreneurship, integrating sustainability and social responsibility into their business model. With over 50 students from diverse backgrounds, the team channels its passion into various initiatives under the school's Entrepreneurship Club, with their most impactful project focused on empowering underprivileged women in the nearby Razapur village.
In collaboration with a local NGO, the team provides these women with the skills and resources necessary to create beautiful, handcrafted products such as scrunchies, potli bags, and keychains, all made from upcycled fabrics. This initiative not only supports the local community but also contributes significantly to the environment by reducing textile waste. Over 60 kg of discarded fabric has been repurposed, directly addressing SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
What sets the team apart is their commitment to addressing multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Their project impacts SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by providing underprivileged women with marketable skills and connecting them to economic opportunities. Through this initiative, the women gain financial independence, while the students learn essential entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
The team also champions SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by empowering women through skills training, fostering leadership, and creating mentorship opportunities. The students have created a peer-learning model, which strengthens the women’s roles in society, making them active agents of change.
With a strong focus on business and social mission, the team has achieved remarkable success, generating a net profit of 1,349 USD, demonstrating that sustainability and economic empowerment can go hand in hand.
Inspirational Teacher Award
Name: Ebenezer Anyadiegwu Otito
School: Egba Odeda High School (Junior)
Country: Nigeria
Ebenezer Anyadiegwu Otito, a maths teacher at Egba Odeda High School (Junior) in Nigeria, teaches in a rural community where 7 out of 10 homes lack reliable electricity. Recognising the need for practical learning, Ebenezer introduced his students to hands-on entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, they launched the SparkWise Initiative, creating solar-powered appliances from discarded materials. The project not only helped local families gain access to solar power but also earned a profit of 29 USD, which was used to purchase essential school supplies. This demonstrated how business can address community challenges.
What sets Ebenezer apart is his ability to inspire students and make entrepreneurship accessible. His commitment to practical learning has had a direct impact on school enrolment - students from nearby areas have been drawn to the school, particularly by the affordable solar reading lamps his students created. These lamps allow children to study at night, while his students have also made money by selling their inventions.
Additionally, Ebenezer has shared his expertise with neighbouring schools, helping them start their own sustainable businesses.
Graduate of the Year Award
Name: Aniket Mittal
School: Evergreen Public School
Country: India
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Aniket Mittal’s entrepreneurial journey began in high school with a passion for business, but it took a transformative turn when he joined the School Enterprise Challenge programme at Evergreen Public School in India. Through the programme, Aniket discovered his passion for baking and gained the skills needed to turn it into a business. He learned key lessons in budgeting, financial planning, and marketing, which laid the foundation for his future success.
The programme empowered Aniket to launch his home-based bakery, "Gastronomy Romance", where he applied these lessons for five years, overcoming challenges like attracting customers and managing finances. His hard work paid off, allowing him to save enough to study at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where he is now perfecting his baking skills under top chefs.
Aniket’s journey proves that entrepreneurship is about more than just running a business - it’s about vision, adaptability, and learning from every experience. He hopes to return to India and inspire young entrepreneurs, sharing the valuable lessons he gained through the programme. His story shows that with determination and the right guidance, any dream can become a reality.
Special Recognition Award
Team: Power-Telmen
School: Telmen EBS
Country: Mongolia
The Public Vote for the Special Recognition Award winning team Power-Telmen from Telmen EBS in Mongolia ran a student cafeteria to provide healthy meals while gaining real-world business experience. With 64 square meters of space provided by the school and the support of the nutritionist and technology teacher, they planned every detail carefully.
The cafeteria became a success, generating a profit of $900 USD. The students learned valuable lessons in communication, market demand, and pricing. With the profits, they built a much-needed library, which was well received by fellow students.
Next year, they plan to expand their menu and continue making a positive impact on the school community.
Securing an incredible 5,824 votes out of 19,077 and the most votes from 21 schools worldwide, this team has claimed the Special Recognition Prize and received GBP £1,000. Congratulations!
We would also like to congratulate the teams from Tanzania, Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador for putting up spirited campaigns!
ElevatED Winners
Top Business Idea
Team: Precious Rope Stall
School: Precious Model School
Country: Kenya
The 'Precious Rope Stall' team from Precious Model School in Kenya is running a student-led business making and selling handmade ropes. Located in Butere Sub-County, Kakamega County, the school has 40 students aged 4-7, many of whom have a natural talent for weaving.
Using locally available materials, they create strong and affordable ropes to sell to shop owners and community members. Their business helps them gain entrepreneurial skills while fulfilling a local demand.
They expect to generate $250 USD in income, with a projected profit of $100 USD. The profits will be reinvested to expand production, purchase more materials, and train more students in weaving.
With classes ending at noon, they dedicate their afternoons to the business, balancing learning with hands-on experience and making a real impact on their school and community.
Top Business Plan
Team: Team 1
School: Prabhavati Padamshi Soni International Junior College
Country: India
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The team from Prabhavati Padamshi Soni International Junior College (India) created eco-friendly pots as an alternative to plastic ones. They held a painting workshop to promote them and sold them directly to the community. They had some trouble with the pots cracking and breaking while they were drying at first, but they fixed the issue! They changed how they dried the pots, and kept a closer eye on them to make sure they dried right.
In 3 months they earned $212 USD, with $62 USD in direct costs and $35 USD in indirect costs, obtaining a profit of $114 USD. They learned to communicate, to overcome obstacles and to manage their time. They will donate 70% to future school projects and 30% to a social cause. Although they are graduating, they will share their experience with other students.
And guess what? Their Business Plan was a hit with the judges! They loved how the pots decompose in the soil, make it healthier, and even scatter seeds. Plus, they were all about those Sustainable Development Goals, for example, making cities better and taking care of the planet. The judges also liked how Team1 was teaching people about the difference between their pots and the regular ones. They won a £300 GBP cash prize and were featured on social media!
Top School Business
Team: MBSpreneur
School: MBS International School, Dwarka
Country: India
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The team MBSpreneur from MBS International School in Dwarka, India, got creative and started selling "Frignets", cool fridge magnets made from recycled materials. They used social media and local events to get the word out. They earned $191.52 USD, spent $53.15 USD on materials, and made a profit of roughly $135.82 USD. The team learned a lot about running a business, like managing things, talking to customers, and thinking on their feet. They're planning to use their profits to make even more Frignets next year.
Their annual report won them the Top School Business prize! The judges loved how they did their homework, doing tons of market research and launching a targeted business with those eco-friendly frignets. To make them fun, they really focused on how buying their frignets helped the environment. As Divyanshi and Bhavya from sales and marketing said, they made sure people knew buying their products was a way to help make things healthier. They even took design ideas from social media, used recycled cardboard and clay, and made special frignets for holidays and events. Plus, they gave discounts for people who collected sets. They also made sure their business helped with Sustainable Development Goal 12, which is all about responsible consumption and production. They won a £500 GBP cash prize and were featured on social media!
Top Business Idea
Team: TRI Shop Boutique de Mascotas
School: Institución Educativa Padros Verde
Country: Colombia
The 'TRI Pet Boutique' team from Prados Verdes Educational Institution in Colombia is turning textile waste into stylish pet accessories. Their school, located in the town of Don Matías, encourages entrepreneurship from an early age, and this project allows their 12 preschool students to develop creativity and teamwork skills while learning about sustainability.
By repurposing denim waste from local textile factories, they create fashionable and durable pet accessories such as collars, leashes, and clothing. Their business aligns with the growing demand for personalised pet products and eco-friendly alternatives.
They expect to generate income over eight months, distributing the profits as follows: 15% to individual partners, 10% for marketing and the board, 37.5% for a group activity, 20% for a social cause, and 40% to ensure the continuity of the business.
With this initiative, these young entrepreneurs are learning valuable business skills while promoting responsible consumption in their community.
Top Business Plan
Team: Young Innovator's Club
School: Egba Odeda High School (Junior)
Country: Nigeria
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The Team Young Innovator's Club from Egba Odeda High School (Junior), Nigeria, launched SparkWise Initiative, creating and selling solar-powered products made from recycled materials. They repair appliances too! They used community outreach and social media for marketing. Over three months, they earned $42 USD, with $10 USD direct costs and $19 USD indirect costs, making a $13 USD profit. They learned about teamwork, finances, and customer service. They'll reinvest profits and expand their impact next year.
And guess what? Their Business Plan, SparkWise Initiative, won over the judges! They loved how they're making solar-powered appliances and fixing old ones. Plus, they're helping with those Sustainable Development Goals, for example, clean energy, responsible consumption, and taking care of the planet. They're even converting appliances to run on solar, which is awesome for places with bad electricity. The judges also liked how they did their homework, researching the market and teaching people about sustainability. And they're reducing electronic waste by fixing stuff instead of buying new. They won a £300 GBP cash prize and were featured on social media!
Top School Business
Team: Com_Builders
School: Fountain Of Life Ministries (FOLM)
Country: Uganda
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At Fountain of Life Ministries School in Uganda, the young entrepreneurs of the Com_Builders team have turned a simple snack into a thriving school business! Their crunchy, soft, and sweet “Daddies”, a bite-sized fried flour cubes, are a favourite among students, especially those in boarding school who need quick and tasty treats.
With smart marketing and a strategic launch funded by parent pre-orders, Com_Builders have expanded beyond their school, selling at school events, social gatherings, and even local supermarkets. In just a short time, they generated $21 USD in revenue, the equivalent of 76 school notebooks in Uganda!
What makes Com_Builders stand out? Innovation, sustainability, and strong business strategy. They identified a real demand from busy parents who want affordable, convenient, and healthy snacks for their children. With eco-friendly packaging solutions, including discounts for customers who return plastic bottles, they are reducing waste while growing their business.
To ensure smooth operations, they structured their business into six key departments: Finance, Production, Procurement, Storage, Health & Safety, and Sales & Marketing.
Beyond their great product, Com_Builders understand that success comes from building strong relationships. The team quickly learned that a good attitude and trust attract customers, helping them expand beyond their school. And they are thinking long-term.They have agreed to reinvest all profits to grow their income and create an even bigger impact.
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