Businesses across Cumbria are going back to the classroom to support tiny tycoons to turn huge profits that will boost school and charity funds.

Bright Stars 2019 challenges primary school pupils to take their £50 stake and set up their own businesses.

More than 20 schools have been paired with local businesses to develop money-spinning ideas over the next eight weeks through investment and creativity.

This year some of Cumbria’s biggest enterprises are sponsoring SMEs so that smaller businesses can also get involved.

Bright Stars is organised by the Centre for Leadership Performance.

It is designed to get children excited about business and introduces them to leadership and entrepreneurship with help from their partner companies.

The children also raise money for charity, win funds for their schools and have lots of fun along the way.

Prizes of £150 cash will be awarded to the winners in 10 categories, from most profitable business to best example of innovation and best business plan.

Profits from each school are shared 50/50 between the schools and their chosen charities,

Sarah Glass, Centre for Leadership Performance business development manager, said: “It is hugely exciting to see the creative ideas from the children, and throughout the eight weeks the children positively light up as they taste success and the excitement of running their own business.

"We want young people to build confidence and feel brave about their futures by gaining a greater understanding of business and local career opportunities, while showing them that setting up their own businesses in the future is an option.

"The scheme provides a stepping stone to help companies and schools break down barriers and forge ongoing relationships.

“We work with business leaders and managers across the county to further develop their leadership skills.

"Those leaders and businesses recognize that raising the aspirations and confidence of Cumbria’s young people and fostering an enthusiasm for working with local companies is vital for the future economy of the county.”

The schools twinned with local businesses are:

  • All Saints' CE Primary School, Cockermouth RSM Consulting;
  • Arlecdon Primary School- Responsive Ltd;
  • Blennerhasset Primary School – Sealy UK;
  • Brook Street Primary – Cumbria Waste Group
  • Dearham Primary School – Iggesund
  • Derwent Vale Primary School – Amcor
  • Ennerdale and Kinniside CE Primary school – Aecom
  • Fairfield Primary School, Cockermouth – The Vicky (sponsored by Balfour Beatty)
  • Gosforth CE Primary School – Wood plc
  • High Hesket CE School – Capita
  • Maryport Junior School – Newsquest
  • Montreal CE Primary School, Cleator Moor – Atkins
  • Moresby Primary School - ASDesigns (sponsored by Kaefer)
  • Oughterside Foundation School – Allerdale Borough Council
  • St James' CE Junior School, Whitehaven - Buzy Bee Software Services (sponsored by Balfour Beatty)
  • St James' C of E Infant School, Whitehaven – Westlakes Engineering
  • St Mary's Catholic Primary School Salterbeck – Armstrong Watson
  • St Michael’s CE, Dalston – David Allen
  • Upperby Primary School, Carlisle – Orian Solutions
  • Valley Primary School and Nursery – Morgan Sindall
  • Victoria Academy – Oxley Group
  • Waberthwaite CE Primary, Millom – NSG Environmental