LEAP

LEAP is a registered charity in the United Kingdom, operating with the charity number 1118612. It focuses on providing young students with the opportunity to develop essential business skills through practical experience.

Purpose and Activities

LEAP's primary goal is to enable students aged 11 to 19 to set up and run their own companies for a year. This hands-on experience allows participants to learn critical skills such as business management, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making. By engaging in these activities, students gain confidence and develop employability skills, which are invaluable for future university applications and job interviews.

The program involves several key components:

• Raising Share Capital: Students must secure their own funding to initiate the business.
• Product Development: They select a product or service, create or purchase it, and develop a comprehensive business plan.
• Marketing: Participants are responsible for promoting their product.
• Annual Review: At the end of the program, students present their company's performance to a panel of business advisors and submit an annual report with financial accounts.

Structure and Governance

LEAP operates as a not-for-profit organization, supported by volunteer mentors from local schools and businesses. It has a governance structure that includes a board of trustees who oversee the charity's operations.

Programs and Initiatives

In addition to its core program, LEAP offers a Shorter Programme designed for younger students (aged 7 to 10). This condensed version allows participants to experience entrepreneurship over a seven-week period during school enrichment time. The Shorter Programme is sponsored by the Yorkshire Children's Charity.

Impact and Objectives

By participating in LEAP's programs, students not only acquire valuable business skills but also develop interpersonal skills and become more self-assured in their abilities. This enhanced confidence can serve as a foundation for future educational or professional endeavors, including starting their own businesses.

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4026675 [2] https://www.leapenterprise.co.uk/homepage [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4026675/governance [4] https://www.leapenterprise.co.uk/about-leap [5] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/04852081