More than 500 would-be entrepreneurs from 34 schools across the district will pitch to leading business professionals next week as part of a unique business challenge to test their enterprising skills.

Now in its fifth year hosted by Bradford Council’s Children’s Services’ Education, Employment & Enterprise Team, the Step Up Market Challenge 2014 will host five Dragons’ Den-style events.

They will be held at various locations including: Morrisons headquarters, Bradford Chamber of Commerce, Naylor Wintersgill Chartered Accountants, the Midland Hotel and Royds Enterprise Park.

Councillor Ralph Berry, executive member for children’s services, said: “Events like Step Up Market Challenge are an excellent way of introducing children to business and inspiring our next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Winning teams from the pitching sessions next Mondaywill go forward to the Grand Finale Market Day on Saturday, June 28.