Elite Entrepreneurship: From Students to Pitch Masters
February 26, 2024
Affärsgymnasiet leads the way in Skåne. Students Ellinor Nilsson and Cajsa Hallin win the Alumninästet competition with their company, Empty Bottle UF, thanks to their impressive pitch skills. Mastering presentations is a key part of the school's work in shaping future entrepreneurs.
This is part of a series of articles about the work and people behind one of Sweden’s best high schools for entrepreneurship.
The UF (Young Enterprise) competition is fierce in Skåne, with many schools competing for the coveted prizes. But once again, Affärsgymnasiet Helsingborg stands out.
Students Ellinor Nilsson and Cajsa Hallin claimed first place in the Skåne-wide Alumninästet competition with their business, Empty Bottle UF.
Alumninästet is a Skåne-wide competition where the jury selects the company with the most well-developed business idea and presentation.
In the next stage of the competition ladder, where businesses from all over southern Sweden compete, the students secured a second-place finish.
– It’s an amazing feeling to see the students’ achievements, says teacher Henrik Gunnarsson.
Empty Bottle UF produces unique serving trays from old wine bottles and boasts an impressive turnover of approximately SEK 30,000. However, the business idea and success are not the only things being judged. To rank highly in the competitions, a professional pitch of the business is also required.
– In the real world, businesses often have very little time to communicate the benefits of their product. It’s essential to be professional, trustworthy, and focus on the key components. Being able to pitch is something students take with them for life, whether for job interviews, product presentations, or other social settings, Gunnarsson explains.
And this is something the school focuses heavily on in conjunction with the UF work.
Speciellt eget draknäste
They begin practicing presentations as early as September, when all 51 of the school’s companies compete against each other in Dragons’ Den.
It’s a special competition with a unique jury, marking the start of the students’ journey toward becoming highly skilled in presentation techniques. On the day, many are cautious and nervous.
That’s why it’s particularly rewarding as a teacher to follow the process and see a clear development, standing side by side with the winners for all of Skåne just a few months later.
– It makes me both emotional and proud, says Henrik.
Att lita på processen
Henrik emphasizes the importance of practice and explains that it takes confidence to continue working hard and pushing through. That’s why confidence is something he and the other teachers try to instill in the students.
Fact
Empty Bottle UF
Students: Ellinor Nilsson and Cajsa HallinAge: 18 Program: Economics
Henrik Gunnarsson
Age: 41Teaches: Economics and EntrepreneurshipBest thing about being a teacher: “Seeing students grow and succeed in what they’ve worked hard for.”Best tip for students: “Believe in yourselves and don’t give up when facing setbacks. Everyone faces setbacks, but not everyone succeeds in turning them into victories.”
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