Twelve children aged between five and eleven took part in a week-long entrepreneurship programme led by Swindon-based Little Bosses Academy.
The initiative, called Sweet Science, saw the group create, brand and market their own confectionery before selling it to shoppers in a pop-up shop inside the town centre.
During the programme, the children were tasked with developing products, designing branding, calculating ingredients and learning about profit margins.
They later put those lessons into practice by running a stall at The Brunel, where they handled sales and customer service themselves.
They were supported by Barry Bear, the academy’s mascot, as they welcomed customers and managed transactions in a live retail setting.
Giselle Idedia, founder of Little Bosses Academy, said:
“The children didn’t just learn about business, they experienced what becomes possible when children are trusted with real responsibility.
“They had to think independently, make decisions, communicate with the public, solve problems and adapt in a genuine real-world environment.
“The team at The Brunel Swindon have been really supportive and on board right from the start.”
The academy aims to build confidence, independent thinking and financial awareness in young people through hands-on experiences.
As a Community Interest Company, any money raised from the stall will be reinvested into future programmes, including funding places for children who may not otherwise be able to take part.
A spokesperson for The Brunel Swindon said:
“We were delighted to host the Little Bosses Academy and welcome these young people to the centre.
“Seeing children as young as five run their own stall with such confidence and teamwork was fantastic.
“We’re proud to have supported them at an event which nurtures the next generation of Swindon’s entrepreneurs.”
The programme comes amid growing interest in equipping children with practical skills alongside classroom learning, with initiatives such as Little Bosses Academy offering early exposure to enterprise and teamwork.
For the young participants, the week concluded with the experience of running their own business in the heart of Swindon.
