In pictures: Colchester's entrepreneur kids graduate from summer camp

BusinessKids, an educational company based in Colchester, held their five-day long summer camp.

In total, 20 young entrepreneurs aged four to 15 took part - more than double the attendees from last year.

Pots - Lauren's 'living pot men' including the High Sherriff of Essex and Colchester Mayor (Image: Submitted) Jewellery - Nicole's s business was selling beaded jewellery (Image: Submitted) Children learnt how to create their own business as well as market needs, developing solutions, and pitching ideas.

Businesses Barclays, The Weave, and AfiUK as well as educators Bernard Adu- Gyebi,  Sally Anderson Wai helped.

Volunteers Jayden Jolly, Judy Mohamed and David Walton also played a vital role in enriching the camp experience.

Businesses ranged from printed t-shirts with an instant clothing design to logo labs designer pouches and custom jewellery.

Comics - Samuel, the founder of Comic Krazy (Image: Submitted) Honour -  Colchester Mayor Councillor Mike Lilley (Left) handed out the graduation certificates (Image: Submitted) There were also businesses selling organic muffins, unique homemade lemonade flavours, and in total there were 17 businesses created.

Colchester mayor Mike Lilley and mayoress Alderman Lyn Barton also attended the graduation ceremony on the last day.

Mr Lilley told managing director Lyndee Oscar he was so impressed he would offer the children a market stall at the Mayors Market.

Sweets - Mark's Candy bag was another business (Image: Submitted) Ms Oscar said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to see the incredible enthusiasm and eagerness of our young people wishing to learn about entrepreneurship, developing their public speaking, problem-solving, and analytical thinking skills. 

"The number of participants has doubled, in addition the mindset shift over the five days was truly inspirational. At BusinessKids, we're not just teaching skills – we're nurturing confident leaders who will shape the future.

Presence - Mayoress Alderman Lyn Barton also attended the graduation ​ (Image: Submitted)Proud - (L to R) Mayoress Alderman Lyn Barton, Mayor Mike Lilley, Lauren, and Lyndee Oscar (Image: Submitted)

One parent also said they loved how their child was challenged during the week, saying he would come back next year.

Another parent also told Ms Oscar that her child was "discussing stocks and shares with us" in the evenings.

While another parent said the camp gave her daughter "a huge confidence boost". 

Ms Oscar added: “We’re honoured to have had this opportunity and look forward to continuing our work to build a culture of innovation and self-belief among Colchester young minds.

"As a team, we're thrilled to announce that as per our camp's initiative, we've decided to donate a percentage of our profits to St Helens Hospice.

Group - The 2025 BusinessKids graduates (Image: Submitted)