Business Pioneers: Drivers of Success

Explore how businesses work and bring your own ideas to life

The Business Pioneers programme introduces students to key areas of modern business through practical, interactive modules. Students then apply what they learn by working in teams to develop and pitch their own business concept.

Across two weeks, participants explore how businesses are created, marketed and managed, while developing the communication, teamwork and problem solving skills needed in today’s professional world.

Who is the course for?

This programme is designed for young adults who are interested in business, entrepreneurship and innovation, and who want to understand how companies operate in the real world. It is ideal for students looking to develop confidence, communication and teamwork skills through practical, project based study. No previous business knowledge is required, and the course is well suited to those considering future study or careers in business, economics, management or related fields.

How the course works

Step 1: Learn the core business modules

Students take part in interactive sessions covering key areas of business, including:

• How businesses start and grow

• Marketing, branding and customer focus

• Communication and presentation skills for business

• Teamwork, leadership and decision making

• Problem solving and critical thinking

• Basic budgeting and financial planning

Sessions are practical and discussion based, using case studies, role plays and group tasks rather than lectures.

Step 2: Apply your learning through a business project

Students then work in small teams to put their learning into practice by developing a business concept.

Each group:

• Creates a business idea or product

• Identifies a target audience and value proposition

• Develops marketing and branding ideas

• Considers pricing and basic budgeting

• Prepares a final business pitch

On the final day, teams present their business proposal to the class, demonstrating their understanding of business concepts and their communication skills.

Key course information

Location	University of London, Senate House
Course length	2 weeks
English level	B1/IELTS 4 (Low Intermediate) to C1/IELTS 7 (Pre-Advanced)
Age	15 - 18
Staff to student ratio	1:15
Maximum class size	14
Academic content and related visits	24 hours per week
Course dates (2026)	Sunday 28th June - Saturday 11th July Sunday 12th July - Saturday 25th July
Designed for	Future Entrepreneurs, Innovators, Project Managers, Sales Leaders, Executives
Skills	Building Business Cases / Teamwork / Presentation & Speaking Skills / Developing a Product Pitch /  Project Management / Financial Planning / Risk Analysis

What students will gain

This is not a traditional classroom course. From day one, students will be actively involved in team projects, discussions and problem solving activities, working with like minded young adults from around the world.

By the end of the course, students will have:

• A clear understanding of how businesses operate

• Practical experience working in international, project based teams

• Stronger communication, presentation and persuasion skills

• Increased confidence expressing ideas and responding to questions

• Enhanced critical thinking and problem solving abilities

• A completed business project you can reference in future studies or applications

Alongside academic development, students also gain:

• New friendships with peers from different countries

• A taste of living and studying in London

• Greater confidence and independence for future study or work

This programme is designed for young adults who are interested in business, entrepreneurship and innovation, and who want to understand how companies operate in the real world. It is ideal for students looking to develop confidence, communication and teamwork skills through practical, project based study. 

No previous business knowledge is required, and the course is well suited to those considering future study or careers in business, economics, management or related fields.