Hundreds of students at a Bradford school were among the first to take part in a day of special workshops to help them come up with enterprising ideas.

The event at Immanuel College in Thackley was part of a new scheme launched by Bradford Council called Step Up Enterprise which aims to develop tomorrow’s business leaders.

Enterprise ‘enablers’ are based across the district’s five constituencies to promote the project to schools, colleges and communities. They are also linking up with businesses to help set up mentoring and support sessions for the students’ ideas.

Yesterday’s sessions at Immanuel saw 220 Year Eight pupils working in teams to design a product or business including logos and marketing plans. The competition is open to five to 19-year-olds and teams will later take part in a Dragons’ Den-style final to win one of 30 places to pitch their products or businesses at a special market set up in Bradford city centre in June.

Councillor Adrian Naylor, the Council’s executive member for regeneration and the economy, said: “The Step Up Enterprise scheme is a wonderful way to help us discover and support our enterprising employees, business leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow and no doubt we will see more imaginative and exciting enterprising initiatives being created across the district.”

Councillor Michael Kelly, the Council’s executive member for services to children and young people, said: “The scheme will champion enterprise activity throughout the Bradford district, helping to bring schools, colleges, community groups and businesses together to share best practice, give youngsters advice, create an enterprise culture, and improve community relations while building stronger links.

“The Market Challenge – with its Dragons’ Den-style final – will also be an interesting and nail-biting competition and we look forward to seeing our young Bradfordians’ ideas. Good luck to everyone involved.”

Step Up Enterprise is funded by Kickstart until July, 2011, and future activities will include enterprise challenges, theme days and a network business club for young people.

To find out more, call Step Up Enterprise manager Ashleigh McMillan on (01274) 385530.