If you are a keen television fan, and interested in business ventures, it is likely that you may have been tuning into both Dragons’ Den and The Apprentice on Thursday evenings for the past few weeks…
While both have comedic value, the main premise of the shows is to give aspiring entrepreneurs a chance at building their businesses. Dragons’ Den successes over the years include; Levi Roots’ Reggae Reggae sauce, the Craft Gin Club, Wonderbly (the children’s books) and Skinny Tan. The Apprentice has seen entrepreneurial flair in the likes of Tim Campbell MBE (a current assist to Lord Sugar in this season alongside Karen Brady) and Alana Spencer, of Ridiculously Rich by Alana (a 50 franchise-large cake brand).
What does it take to become an entrepreneur in the first instance?
We asked our Imagen Insights Gen Z community what they think are the limiting factors stopping them from taking the plunge. Resources came out on top, surprisingly, given the rise in advice available via the internet, networking groups and charitable organisations – Gen Z still do not feel there are enough resources available to them. This was followed by experience, probably to be expected given the age range of the Gen Z demographic. Starting capital was also cited as a limiting factor and likely why programmes such as Dragons’ Den and The Apprentice exist!
…89% said they think business studies should be an essential course
When asked what their biggest fear was regarding entrepreneurship, our Imagen Insights Gen Z community reported fearing the competitive market and an overwhelming majority, 89% said they think business studies should be an essential course while in education and part of curriculums.
Who do Gen Z admire in the business world?
Rihanna came up a lot in conversations with our community as a multi entrepreneur; a fashion icon (SavageXFenty), an incredible music artist and a cosmetics innovator (Fenty Beauty) – driving inclusivity and positive change within the industry.
Next came Ben Francis, (an Imagen Insights favourite) with an incredible story from a genuinely good guy it would seem, who has worked incredibly hard and built his fitness brand empire, Gymshark – with a physical store opening on the coveted Oxford Street later this year.
Finally a mention for Steven Bartlett, another favourite of our internal team, especially Nick, our Community Engagement Executive. Steven went from a school ‘dropout’ to a millionaire at 23, having built a business from his bedroom, and is now the youngest ever Dragons’ Den investor.