Youth charity The Prince's Trust is urging businesses across the UK to compete in a £1m national enterprise challenge, 'Million Makers'.
"Million Makers" challenges employees to run their own mini-enterprises, at the same time raising thousands to get young people into business.
Nearly 70 companies - including Accenture, Yell.com and St Tropez - have signed up already and will be competing to raise the cash. The money will go towards supporting young entrepreneurs on The Trust's business programme.
The challenge was launched at branches (no pun intended) of Go Ape High Wire Forest Adventures throughout the country.
Raef Bjayou and Claire Young, stars of The Apprentice and Prince's Trust ambassadors, attended the launch.
Bjayou said: "The fantastic thing about Million Makers is that participants are not only honing their own entrepreneurial skills, but raising funds for future entrepreneurs who don't have the financial means to get things off the ground. It really is a win-win situation"
Julian Barrell, director of fundraising, The Prince's Trust said: "With Britain's best business brains behind us, we can help more young people into business. Nurturing entrepreneurial talent is now more important than ever. We cannot let the Sir Alan Sugars of tomorrow be thwarted by the recession."
Stuart Watson is a partner at Ernst & Young, which has already signed up to Million Makers 2009. He said: "The Million Makers challenge provides personal development opportunities for our people including increased self confidence and motivation; developed communication and teaming skills; and networking opportunities."
Last year's Million Makers challenge raised more than £500,000 to help disadvantaged young people into business.
Million Makers 2009 is the largest employee fundraising initiative in the history of The Trust. The business programme has helped more than 70,000 young people into business since 1983 and needs £1million every month to continue its vital work.
To sign-up to Million Makers or for more information, call 020 7543 7420.
