Thirteen teenage teams are putting their entrepreneurial skills to test and finding out what it is like to set up and run a business in Dragon’s Apprentice Challenge 14-15.    

The teams have joined forces with a business mentor (Dragon) and have been matched with a local charity or community group, with the task of turning £100 into £1,000 or more, for their charity.  

Watford & Three Rivers Trust has delivered the Dragon’s Apprentice Challenge since 2012 and in total the challenge, has now raised more than £43,000 for local charities.

This year budding entrepreneurs from Francis Combe Academy, Parmiters School, Queens School, Rickmansworth School, St Joan of Arc Catholic School, West Herts College and YMCA Watford are taking part.

The apprentices will be raising money for local charities including Alternatives Watford, Watford Community Sports & Education Trust, Watford Mencap, Playskill, DRUM, Palace Theatre, Peace Hospice Care, West Watford Community Association, Home-Start, Watford Women's Centre, Signpost and Herts Inclusive Theatre.

Philip Green, Director of The JPM Group, which is the main sponsor and one of the Dragons for the challenge, said: "We’re delighted to be the sponsor of this year’s challenge. The Challenge makes a significant financial contribution to local charities, whilst also providing excellent development opportunities for Year 12 students. 

"We hope our sponsorship, coupled with our role as a Dragon this coming year, will help ensure another successful year for the Challenge."

Over the coming months the teams will be devising their business projects and events that will not only raise money for their charity but also raise awareness.

The final fundraising activity will end in mid January 2015, and teams will start working on their business plans and reports, which will be submitted for judging.  

There will be an official awards evening in March 2015 at West Herts College when the winning teams will be announced.