Primary school mini traders face Dragons’ Den-style challenge in Ballymena

A new generation of young entrepreneurs has taken its first bold step into the world of business — selling products, pitching ideas, and impressing judges in a high-stakes, Dragons’ Den-style challenge in Ballymena.

Primary school pupils from across Mid and East Antrim swapped classrooms for commerce as they launched their own mini companies, culminating in a lively trading event at the Fairhill Centre and a competitive pitch finale at The Braid.

The initiative, part of the Business Beginnings programme, offered P6 and P7 pupils a hands-on introduction to entrepreneurship — and for many, their first real taste of running a business.

From classroom ideas to real-world trading

Working alongside Young Enterprise NI and supported by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, pupils were guided through every stage of building a business — from concept and product design to marketing and sales.

That learning came to life on Thursday 19 March, when the young traders set up stalls in the Fairhill Centre, pitching their products directly to the public.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, visited the bustling mini market, speaking with pupils about their ideas, experiences, and the challenges of running their own ventures.

He praised the creativity and effort on display, highlighting the level of planning and innovation behind each student-led business.

High-pressure pitches at The Braid

The competition didn’t end at the market stalls.

One week later, pupils stepped into the spotlight once again — this time facing a Dragons’ Den-style panel at The Braid, where they pitched their businesses and ideas in front of judges.

The standard proved so high that judges faced a tough decision, ultimately awarding the top prize jointly to Clough Primary School and St Brigid’s Primary School.

Mayor Minford presented certificates and prizes, celebrating the achievements of all participants.

“I am delighted to have welcomed the pupils from across our Borough to the Braid to celebrate all their achievements following the Business Beginnings programme,” he said.

“It was a pleasure to tour their mini market and see the creativity and planning that had gone into every aspect of each of their fledgling businesses.”

Building skills for the future

Beyond the excitement of trading and competition, organisers say the programme is about equipping young people with essential life skills.

Carol Fitzsimons MBE, CEO of Young Enterprise NI, emphasised the importance of early exposure to business:

“The support of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has been vital in allowing more local young people to develop entrepreneurial skills.

“Linking with Go Succeed in the Council area allows the pupils to have a taste of business start-up and experience the world of business first-hand. We are grateful to the Council for providing them with this opportunity.”

Mayor Minford added that the experience goes far beyond business itself.

“Regardless of what career paths these young pupils may follow in the future, there are important transferable skills to be learned from seeing business in action – from planning and design to marketing, taking on responsibilities, working as a team, and much more.

“I wish them all every success in future – and who knows, they may be giving Lord Sugar a run for his money one day!”

A glimpse of tomorrow’s entrepreneurs

For Ballymena and the wider Mid and East Antrim area, the programme offers more than a one-off event — it’s a glimpse into the region’s future talent.

From confident pitches to creative products, the pupils demonstrated not only business potential, but the kind of ambition and teamwork that could shape the next generation of local enterprise.

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At a glance

• Primary school pupils took part in a business programme across Mid and East Antrim

• Pupils created and ran their own mini companies with support from Young Enterprise NI

• A public mini market was held at the Fairhill Centre in Ballymena

• Pupils later pitched ideas in a Dragons’ Den-style event at The Braid

• Clough Primary School and St Brigid’s Primary School won the top joint award

• The programme is part of the Go Succeed NI initiative

• Focus on building skills in teamwork, marketing, planning, and responsibility

• Local leaders praised the creativity and ambition of participating pupils

• Programme aims to inspire future entrepreneurs in the Borough