Gosport mum helps children get their business ideas off the ground

Cheryl Dodd, 42 from Gosport, supported daughter Issy, 11, in getting her slime business, Sassy Slimes, off the ground.

The youngster has made more than £1,400 and shipped products as far as Australia.

Now, Cheryl is hoping to inspire other children to get into business, with her new BizKidz initiative.

Since launching it, she has helped children as young as seven years old start up their own companies, from lip glosses to bath bombs and even 3D printing.

Cheryl said: ‘It has been an absolute joy to see them all flourish and I’m so excited for this round of young entrepreneurs we are going to be supporting.

‘I feel passionately that this kind of education is invaluable and I am at odds with the fact that the education system takes kids on a journey through school to college to university to employment.

‘I want kids to know that starting a business is achievable for them and could also be a viable path for their future.’

With a blended learning approach mixing videos, work books and interactive sessions, children are encouraged to work proactively on their business ideas.

Initially, the course was set up for children who had fallen out of love with the education system – but Cheryl says children from all walks of life are now benefitting from becoming entrepreneurs, in more ways than one.

She said: ‘Ownership of their future direction and goals creates a huge impact on their lives.

‘To empower kids to learn their way creates results and in turn builds confidence, resilience and so many more life skills.

‘If you are feeling disconnected with your child's learning, having something new to learn together can be really exciting, and I have really enjoyed lovely time spent with my daughter getting excited about her plans, and supporting her on her new journey.’

Cheryl is no stranger to business, owning both ballet and gymnastics companies alongside her BizKidz initiative.

To find out more, people can go to bizkidz.co.uk.

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