STACKS FOUNDERS LAB AT BANG

Last week, BANG launched the pilot of STACKS: Founders Lab, a new five-day enterprise incubator programme.

Delivered at BANG HQ to students from Stanmore College and BANG Young Leaders, the programme guided participants through every stage of building a t-shirt business – from concept and branding to financial planning and pitching.

The week opened with a focus on VISION, encouraging students to explore their long-term goals and the kind of t-shirt businesses they want to build. Each participant set personal ambitions and joined a team to bring their ideas to life.

From there, the theme moved to IDENTITY, where students learned about branding, storytelling, and how businesses communicate value. The session was brought to life with a visit from Nines Health & Fitness Club, whose spoke about confidence, purpose, and making a lasting impression in both business and life.

Midweek, the students took their learning beyond the classroom with a market research trip to Westfield. They visited both familiar and high-end stores — from Nike and Primark to Michael Kors and Coach — analysing how different brands position themselves and attract customers. For many, it was a lesson not just in retail strategy but in confidence and perspective: understanding that they can walk into any space and see themselves belonging there.

As the week progressed, attention turned to NUMBERS. Students were introduced to the fundamentals of business finance — learning to calculate revenue, costs, gross profit, and net profit — and applied these formulas directly to their own business ideas. By demystifying money, they began to see how financial planning supports creative freedom and growth.

The programme culminated in a final pitch, where each team presented their business prototype. Over five days, twelve participants had developed full t-shirt brand concepts – complete with logos, mock-ups, and an outline of their financials for sustainability.

What made this pilot successful was its youth-led approach. The programme was designed and delivered in just three weeks by interns from Brunel University and Coventry University, with young people actively contributing to planning, delivery, and evaluation.

It was filmed and edited by Borna, a film intern from Brunel University of London, capturing the creativity and energy that defined the experience.

Founders Lab is more than a crash course in enterprise; it’s an opportunity for young people to explore how business can serve as a pathway to independence, creativity, and sustainable futures. Whether participants choose to start a company or simply apply their new skills elsewhere, they leave with practical tools, real-world insight, and renewed confidence in their ability to lead their lives.

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.