There is a question which is often asked of today’s youth – where are the next generation of business people and entrepreneurs coming from? We might have just found the answer…

There has been a lot made about how the next generation of kids in the U.K lack the ambition and drive of years gone by. They are said to be more concerned with video games than education and are only interested in quick fixes rather than learning the ropes and putting in the hard work required to be a success in business. Well it is a very traditional source that is providing a welcome remedy to this apparent problem – The Scouts.

Forget the stereotypical badges like Knot tying, the newest award from the Scouts is the Entrepreneur Challenge. The award, which has been developed by in conjunction with entrepreneur Richard Harpin, ‘aims to develop Scouts’ nature for enterprise through activities which enable them to set up, or create an idea for, a Scouting enterprise or business’.

The award has a bit of a Dragon’s Den feel about it, with Scouts presenting a business pitch to a panel of local business people, much like the hit BBC show. The scheme has been trialled in various districts across London. Emily from North London, who participated in the scheme clearly likes the idea: ‘I am really enjoying working towards this new Challenge. Although it is hard work, it is well worth it. It’s given me great experience for the future. Richard Branson had better watch out!’ That is certainly the right kind of spirit!

The success of this award and other young entrepreneurial themed events like Junior Apprentice, shows that maybe the idea of the next generation of youth as a bunch of lazy lay about’s is a flawed one. Let’s be honest, when you’re very young it is only natural that you are going to want to spend your time doing the things all young people do – you only get one childhood after all. But it is good to see that there are processes in place to encourage children and teens to cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit and skill set it requires to achieve success in business.

These are the generation that will look after us when with their taxes when we are all old, after all. What do you think of the potential of young entrepreneurs? Is this a generation lost, and if so, can these type of programs help? Let us know your thoughts…