STUDENTS entered the Dragons’ Den at Chichester College to pitch their money-making ideas to business champions.
Thirteen students from the college’s Peter Jones Enterprise Academy presented their ideas in the hope of securing investment, mentoring, work placement opportunities and advice.
One student secured an investment of £4,000 for her dessert-making business.
Sofi Harrison, who has worked for both Gordon Ramsey and Heston Blumenthal, has been developing her business Scrumdiddlyumptious by Sofi.
The investment from Tony Dignum, of the Dignum Opportunities Trust, and Andrew Green, deputy principal and chief executive of the Brighton Film School, will be used to buy further equipment.
Speaking afterwards, she said: “The pitch was such a valuable experience, I received some excellent advice which has motivated me even more.”
“You can teach entrepreneurship,” said Alan Edmonds, from the Chichester Chamber of Commerce, and added: “Peter Jones Academy students all wowed the panel of business experts when they pitched their business ideas and plans.
“The students undertook this task with great enthusiasm, talent and knowledge.”
Mr Edmonds was one of the eight-strong panel.
The ideas were pitched on Wednesday, January 30, by students taking the one-year level three diploma in enterprise and entrepreneurship.
A college spokeswoman said the majority of students were successful in securing both investment and mentoring.