Student Kate Johnson has won £3000 to start her chocolate making business after winning an enterprise competition organised by the Women’s Organisation and the City of Liverpool College.

The competition was part of an “I am enterprising” programme which saw eight shortlisted students from the college’s enterprise club pitch their ideas to a panel of business people.

Kate is on an NVQ Level 3 patisserie and confectionary course and the prize will help her start new business  the Chocolate Gallery.  Kate’s business plan is to offer hand decorated, personalised chocolates aimed at a client list of top hotels and restaurants.

There were also three runners up, who each won a £100 each to help start their business plus free commercial advice and support from business leaders on the judging panel including Morecrofts Solicitors and Agent Marketing.

The three runners up were students John Wilson and Daniel Curran for their business supplying and fitting electric stop taps to shut off water, Kiara Mako for her photography and card business aimed at the Polish community and Ashley Rose Standish for her business creating personalised bibles for christenings and special occasions.

The #IAmEnterprising programme is part of a series of initiatives by the Women’s Organisation working in partnership with enterprise co-ordinator Melanie Williams at the college, to promote entrepreneurial talent amongst students.

Jackie Williams, enterprise director at the Women’s Organisation said:

“The standard of entrants has been absolutely fantastic.  We believe that all eight of the shortlisted students have ideas which will create successful businesses and it was really hard to choose a winner. We decided to award the first prize to Kate in the end because of her huge passion for the subject. Her presentation and plan were really well thought out and we think that she has a really unique business idea which has the potential to not just be a success locally but even internationally.”

Elaine Bowker, principal at the City of Liverpool College said:

“Enterprise is vital to the future growth of Liverpool and working with the Women’s organisation we’ve run this competition as part of a series of initiatives to empower students, helping them to create their own businesses and own career opportunities.  I’m really pleased with the efforts all of the students involved, their talent, enthusiasm and creativity has really shone through.”

Winner, Kate Johnson said:

“I’m really happy to win, it’s been a dream of mine to start my own chocolate business.  The prize money will give me the capital to get started and with the advice and support from the I Am Enterprising programme, I can take my first steps into turning my business plan into a reality.  The prize money will go towards purchasing equipment and helping me start producing sample chocolates.”

To keep in touch with the developments of the programme follow #IAmEnteprising along with @TheWomensOrgLiv and @COLCollege on Twitter or visit www.iamenterprising.blogspot.com