GUINEVERE’S EXPERIENCE:

FOUNDERS LAB

This October Half-Term, BANG hosted our first STACKS: Founders Lab – a five-day enterprise programme delivered in partnership with Stanmore College and BANG Young Leaders.

The aim of the week was to inspire and equip young people with the skills, tools, and confidence to build and grow their own businesses.

In the week leading up to Founders Lab, BANG’s interns worked together to design workshop decks and plan engaging activities. This experience helped me develop a stronger understanding of how to create content that connects with students and keeps them inspired to learn. We also developed the Founders Lab booklet that students actively used during the week. Through this process, I learned how to create a physical resource that’s both engaging and visually appealing, and I improved my graphic design skills – evolving from making posters to designing full booklets.

Throughout the week, I supported the team by managing social media and content creation to showcase the incredible moments from Founders Lab. I also had the opportunity to co-lead a Canva session with Melissa and deliver branding and social media workshops with Derrick’s support.

In preparation for the Canva workshop, I learned how to design T-shirts, as the students were developing their own T-shirt businesses over the five days. These sessions helped students understand how to present their ideas effectively and use digital tools to communicate their brand stories. Leading these workshops allowed me to share my skills while building confidence in presenting and public speaking – an important step in my personal and professional development.

One highlight of the week was our trip to Westfield, where students carried out research on branding, positioning, and how different businesses communicate value. We encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones by exploring high-end stores like Michael Kors and Coach, helping them understand how premium brands build perception and customer experience.

Overall, Founders Lab was an inspiring week filled with creativity, collaboration, and growth – not only for the participants but for our team as well. I’m proud to have contributed to supporting young entrepreneurs as they take their first steps in turning innovative ideas into real, impactful ventures.

Youth Leadership & Youth Voice at BANG is supported by Youth Careers Collective (formerly Spark!), John Lyon’s Charity, Progress Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, and BBC Children in Need.