In case you’ve received a profitable enterprise thought, you’ll want funding to get it off the bottom. And who higher to get it from than a dragon like Peter Jones?
The Dragon Den investor’s basis, the Peter Jones Basis, has partnered with enterprise advisory agency FRP to broaden its Nationwide Entrepreneur of the Yr (NEOY) competitors this 12 months.
Younger entrepreneurs can win the possibility to pitch their concepts, impress business leaders, and doubtlessly safe a life-changing enterprise funding.
Founders have till the top of Might to submit their entry. On this article, we’ll clarify what the Nationwide Entrepreneur of the Yr is all about, and how one can apply.
What’s the Nationwide Entrepreneur of the Yr competitors?
The NEOY competitors is a longstanding initiative which goals to empower younger entrepreneurs to succeed in their enterprise objectives.
It champions budding enterprise founders from underserved communities and underrepresented backgrounds, already launching the careers of many.
Earlier winner, Ross Bailey, based the net industrial rental market, AppearHere, on the age of 19. He’s gone on to lift over $20 million in enterprise capital funding and was named one among Forbes Europe’s 30 Beneath 30.
Final 12 months’s winner, Miah Maddock-Hodgins, based MCR Training Hub, an inclusive schooling platform supporting younger individuals who face limitations to mainstream education.
After becoming a member of forces with FRP, NEOY is ready to be larger than ever. This 12 months, it’s open to contributors aged 16 to 21. Regional finals will likely be held this summer season throughout the UK, in Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, and Newcastle.
5 winners will be capable of pitch their enterprise to a panel of judges, together with Peter Jones CBE and Geoff Rowley, CEO of FRP.
How do I apply?
The competitors is open to these aged between 16-21 on Might 30, 2025.
To apply for NEOY, you could already be working a small enterprise or facet hustle that generates income. Alternatively, you’ll be able to apply with a strongly developed enterprise idea, together with a prototype or minimal viable product.
If all that is so as, you’ll be able to start your software, which consists of a written kind and a video elevator pitch.
Within the software kind, you’ll want to supply a marketing strategy and gross sales forecast, and clarify how you plan to spend the winnings.
In the meantime, your 30-60 second video pitch ought to introduce your self and your small business. That is your probability to indicate your character, however you don’t have to seem on digital camera should you don’t need to. The deadline for submission is Friday, Might 30, 2025.
In November, the general winner will likely be awarded a £10,000 grant to develop their enterprise.
Extra money prizes are up for grabs, together with £1,000 for every regional winner and £5,000 for the runner-up. Every finalist may even profit from a 12 months of knowledgeable mentorship.
Rule change to champion Gen Z entrepreneurship
As of this 12 months, the principles have modified to welcome younger entrepreneurs aged 16 to 21, opening the door to a wider pool of Gen Z founders.
By increasing the age vary and partnering with FRP, the Peter Jones Basis says it’s taking a big step towards growing visibility, entry, and tangible assist for younger entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.
“We’re really grateful for FRP’s assist. This collaboration will allow us to extend the attain of the Nationwide Entrepreneur of the Yr competitors and generate larger influence. I can’t wait to satisfy the finalists and see how their companies develop with the continued assist of the Basis,” stated Peter Jones CBE.
Geoff Rowley, CEO of FRP, added, “This initiative will empower younger individuals from all walks of life to take their enterprise ventures to the subsequent degree – creating alternatives, driving innovation, and supporting the job creators of tomorrow.”
For extra methods to fund your small business, try our information to the highest small enterprise grants for UK entrepreneurs.
Who Is Emma Jones, The New Small Enterprise Commissioner?
Emma Jones CBE, founding father of Enterprise Nation, has this week been appointed because the UK’s new Small Enterprise Commissioner….
What Are The Legal guidelines On Banning Children From Pubs?
Hospitality has had a troublesome few years with rising prices and tightened shopper spending limiting footfall. Within the midst of…