WHIZZ kids from Portland can launch their own firms, thanks to a £20,000 donation from the financial services company JPMorgan.

Four schools from Dorset, including Royal Manor Art College on Portland, are able to compete in the Young Enterprise Company Programme after the contribution.

The scheme is aimed at people aged 15 to 19, who set up and run a company in teams over the academic year. JPMorgan donated the money to Young Enterprise South West (YESW).

It will allow four schools in Dorset to take part. They are Portchester School, Bournemouth, Winton Boys School, Bournemouth, the Royal Manor Art College Community School, Portland, and The Grange, Christchurch.

Young Enterprise South West works with schools to encourage pupils to develop their business and entrepreneurial skills.

It is aimed at young people aged 15 to 19, who set up and run a company in teams over the course of one academic year.

They elect a board of directors from amongst their peers, raise share capital and market and finance a product or service of their own choice.

At the end of the year they liquidate the company and present a report and accounts.

They also have the opportunity to compete at a county, regional and national level for recognition as a leading Young Enterprise Company.