Dragons’ Den mogul Steven Bartlett has set himself a new goal – coaching young people who survived the Grenfell fire.
The tycoon is mentoring wannabe businessmen and women who escaped from the tower in 2017, in a tragedy which cost 72 lives.
And he is working with Grenfell Athletic FC, the West London community football club set up after the inferno.
Steven, 30, said: “Many of them weren’t even in their teens when their lives were turned upside down by this tragedy. I’m amazed at how many want to start up their own businesses and can see that going through such adversity can be a real driver.
“Making the decision to start a business takes a great level of drive, creativity and determination. So it was amazing to see that in these young people.”
Among the protégés is 18-year-old Caleb French, who recently launched a digital marketing company.
Caleb quickly impressed and bagged a month of work at Steven’s digital agency.
And the youngster said working with the TV Dragon was “a dream come true”. He added: “I’ve always had an interest in digital marketing, so the fact that Steven listened to my ideas and encouraged me to keep going has given me a big confidence boost.
“The biggest thing I learned from working with Steven and his team was the importance of self-belief.”
Sweet shop owner Tia Best also got advice and hopes the tycoon’s tips will help her make extra lolly. Tia is a big fan of Bartlett, who presents the hugely popular podcast The Diary of a CEO. The pair instantly clicked and the TV star happily placed a pick-n-mix order.
Tia, 24, who lost friends in the Grenfell fire, said meeting her Dragons’ Den idol was “the most exciting day”.
She said: “I am a big fan of Steven’s podcast, so the fact that we met and he saw potential in my business was unbelievable. The biggest lesson he taught me is to never give up and that you can achieve great things regardless of where you come from.”
Another budding businessman is Bobby Ross, 32, who lost his dad in the blaze.
He founded a community initiative in 2022 supporting locals with mental health issues.
Mercedes-Benz Vans stepped in and donated two eVito Tourer vans to help keep the Grenfell-inspired businesses moving efficiently and sustainably.
The vans will also be used by the football club to travel to and from matches together – strengthening the bond between players.
And Steven was delighted to be able to deliver them to the community in person.
But then he knows all about starting at the bottom and reaching for the stars.
He dropped out of university at 22 to launch digital marketing agency The Social Chain. It was a monster success and has just been sold in a £7.7million-plus deal.
Steven is focusing on other projects – not least the Dragons. He joined the panel of investors last year, replacing vitamin guru Tej Lalvani, and is worth an estimated £300million.
