Crossing Paths CIC

31/08/2026

A brilliant behind-the-scenes visit to the Tyne Tunnels.

We joined South Tyneside Pledge members to see first-hand how the tunnels are operated, from the control room and safety systems to the teams keeping everything moving.

For Crossing Paths, visits like this are a great reminder of why real-world exposure matters. Seeing workplaces up close, meeting the people behind them and understanding the range of roles involved can make opportunities feel much more real.

Even better, the visit has already opened conversations about bringing our young people along for their own behind-the-scenes experience later this year.

We’ve written a short blog about the visit and why these kinds of experiences matter.

Read it here: https://crossingpaths.org.uk/tyne-tunnels-visit/

30/08/2026

Star of TV's Apprentice calls on South Tyneside’s young entrepreneurs to make a pitch

27/08/2026

This week was about showing young people that there isn’t one route into work, business or the future!

As part of our care leavers workshop, participants heard from five people from different business and career backgrounds, sharing their own experiences of employment, self-employment, career changes, setbacks and opportunities.

We then took the conversation out of the room with a visit to Mr Swainstons sweet shop, a local business that recently appeared on BBC Dragons' Den

It was a great way to connect the workshop themes to a real business and show how different paths, ideas and opportunities can develop in practice.

A big thank you to everyone who gave their time to share their story and support the group.

When paths cross, futures open.

PS Remember to check out our competitions to win prize money to fund YOUR business idea.
https://crossingpaths.org.uk/

18/08/2026

We’re excited that our ambassador and BBC’s The Apprentice finalist, Adam, is bringing the Adam Corbally Challenge 2026 business challenge back to .

The challenge was launched in the borough in 2025 and attracted some creative and innovative entries from local young people. This year, we want to encourage even more aspiring entrepreneurs to get involved, share their ideas and show us what they could achieve with the right support.

The Adam Corbally Challenge 2026 is open to young people aged 16–29 who live in South Tyneside. Entrants may already be running a business they would like to develop, or they might have a completely new idea they have not yet had the opportunity or confidence to pursue.

14/08/2026

Two opportunities. Two chances for young people to turn an idea into something bigger.

At Crossing Paths CIC, we’re keen to make sure young people across hear about opportunities that can build confidence, encourage enterprise and, importantly, give them a reason to have a go.

Right now, there are two brilliant enterprise challenges open:

The Badgers Sett Enterprise Challenge
A chance for young people to develop and pitch an idea, whether that is a new business, social enterprise, product or service.
There are different age categories, with prizes of:
• Primary – £500
• 11–18 – £750
• 18–29 – £1,000

The challenge is supported by the The John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, Hull City Council and the The Micro Business Alliance, and is about much more than simply winning.

It gives young people an opportunity to think creatively, develop an idea and experience what it feels like to pitch it.

Adam Corbally Business Challenge – South Tyneside
Our Crossing Paths ambassador and BBC Apprentice finalist Adam Corbally has once again brought his business challenge to South Tyneside.

It is open to 16–29-year-olds living in the borough, whether they already have a business they want to grow or simply have the beginnings of an idea.
Entering couldn't be much easier:

- Create a two-minute video pitch
- Send it by WhatsApp before 26 October

You could win up to £500 from the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, plus personal mentoring from Adam.

The winner will be announced during Global Entrepreneurship Week in November.

You don't need a polished business plan, a fancy presentation or years of experience.
You need an idea and the willingness to give it a go.

If you work with young people in South Tyneside, please share these opportunities with them.
Sometimes seeing the right opportunity at the right time is all it takes to get an idea moving.

Drop us a message if you'd like details of either challenge.

12/08/2026

International Youth Day raises awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing young people around the world.

Today we remember why we founded almost one year ago.

12/08/2026

Each of the 3 sections has a great cash prize to be won!

a) Primary school section winner to receive up to £500
b) 11- 18 section winner to receive up to £750
c) 18-29 section winner to receive up to £1,000

Enter on our website now 😎

'That's the badger!' - £1,000 up for grabs for South Tyneside youngsters in enterprise challenge

12/08/2026

£500 up for grabs!
The Adam Corbally challenge 2026 is back in !

We’re excited to announce that our ambassador and BBC’s The Apprentice finalist, Adam, is bringing the Adam Corbally Challenge 2026 business challenge back to South Tyneside.

The challenge was launched in the borough in 2025 and attracted some creative and innovative entries from local young people. This year, we want to encourage even more aspiring entrepreneurs to get involved, share their ideas and show us what they could achieve with the right support.

The challenge is open to young people aged 16–29 who live in South Tyneside. Entrants may already be running a business they would like to develop, or they might have a completely new idea they have not yet had the opportunity or confidence to pursue.

You do not need a finished business plan, professional presentation or expensive equipment to enter. All you need is an idea and the willingness to explain it.

How to enter the Adam Corbally Challenge 2026;

To take part, create a video pitch lasting no more than two minutes. Your pitch should introduce your business or idea, explain the problem it addresses and tell us what you would like to achieve.

The video can be as creative as you like. You could speak directly to the camera, demonstrate a product, show examples of your work or involve other people. We are interested in the idea and the person behind it, so there is no need for polished editing or a professional production.

Once completed, send your video by WhatsApp to 07708 510592 before 26 October 2026.

The winner will be announced in November as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. They could receive up to £500 from the The John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, alongside valuable mentoring from Adam himself.

The funding could help the winner test their idea, purchase equipment or materials, promote their business or take another practical step towards growth. Adam’s mentoring will also give them the opportunity to discuss their plans with an experienced entrepreneur and receive straightforward, practical guidance.

Taking part is also a chance to develop useful skills, including communication, creativity, planning and confidence. Even putting a two-minute pitch together can help someone clarify their idea and decide what they need to do next.

If you know a young person with a business idea, please share the challenge with them and encourage them to enter. Sometimes an idea only needs a little encouragement and the right opportunity to get moving.

The Adam Corbally video enterprise challenge 2026 is open to young people aged 16-29 that live in South Tyneside.

04/08/2026

Share this with young people looking to kick off their business idea!

The deadline for the Badgers' Sett Enterprise Challenge that is open to enterprising young people in is Friday 24 October 2026 at 5.00pm

Each of the 3 sections has a great cash prize to be won

a) Primary school section winner to receive up to £500

b) 11- 18 section winner to receive up to £750

c) 18-29 section winner to receive up to £1000

Enter here

Partner with Crossing Paths to deliver high-quality work experience that meets Gatsby Benchmarks and builds confidence & skills for learners.

26/07/2026

What does an entrepreneur look like?

This week reminded us that there isn’t one answer.

Around the table were people with their own stories, experiences, ambitions and challenges. Some were taking their first steps into business. Others were refining ideas or preparing for growth.

What connected them wasn’t their background.

It was their curiosity, their willingness to share, and their determination to turn ideas into action.

That’s what Crossing Paths is all about.

We believe the best ideas emerge when people come together, bringing fresh perspectives, asking honest questions and learning from one another. Everyone has something to contribute, and everyone has something to learn.

Over two days we explored value propositions, business models, strategy and sales, but the real value came from the conversations around the table. The moments when someone asked a question that made another person think differently. The encouragement between delegates. The confidence that grew as ideas became clearer.

Those moments can’t be captured on a slide. They happen because of the people in the room.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us this week for your openness, enthusiasm and willingness to challenge yourselves and support each other.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur with an idea, an established business looking for fresh thinking, or an organisation wanting to invest in the people you support, we’d love to have a conversation.

Because when people come together with an open mind, great things can happen.