Be Your Own Boss: Entrepreneur Week 2026

Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Futures For All really meant business with Entrepreneur Week 2026 with 3,225 young people reached across the UK. 

Business founders and innovators from our Speakers for Schools programme delivered an exciting and insightful series of online and in-person talks to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. Through real stories and experiences, big ideas and bold moves, challenges and successes, our speakers provided an honest behind-the-scenes look into the business world, helping to demystify the sector and help young people from a range of backgrounds to imagine their future and succeed.  

Business Success Stories

Our programme of talks celebrated entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, resilience and leadership with business leaders including John Roberts, Founder and CEO of AO; Tom Bloxham CBE MBE, Founder and Chair of Urban Splash; Nicola Stopps, CEO and Founder of Simply Sustainable; and Bill Holroyd CBE DL, Founder of OnSide Youth Zones. 

Here’s what our budding innovators and supportive educators had to say: 

“I'm going to be a CEO too.”

Student

“I learned a lot of great information I will definitely use.”

Student

“It was good to hear about building a business.”

Students

“Students seemed to enjoy the real-life examples and advice...They also enjoyed the misconceptions.”

Educator

“They were genuinely interested in what was being spoken about and questions were meaningful.”

Educator

When young people see what’s possible, it sparks curiosity, develops confidence and fuels ambition. We’re proud to help bridge the gap between education and enterprise – and to open doors to opportunities.  

Thank you to our inquisitive participating schools, and to our incredible speakers for their valuable, real-world insights that have shown young people that anything is possible! 

Take Your Career Insights Further

Our Talks Library is available as a resource of insights into different sectors and roles – and it's where you can watch our online Entrepreneur Week talks.

You can find and register for other upcoming broadcasts here. 

Whether you’re keen to apply for work experience or provide some for young people, head to our Work Experience Finder to get started.