calling all the creative minds and aspiring entrepreneurs! It’s that time of the year again – the UHI Business Competition is back, and it’s your chance to shine. If you’ve got a brilliant start-up idea, this is the perfect opportunity to turn it into a reality. With over £8000 in prize money up for grabs, it’s not just a competition; it’s a platform to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
The competition is open to anyone over 16 living in the Highlands and Islands, Moray, Argyll, and Perthshire, as well as all students studying across the UHI partnership. Whether you’ve got a groundbreaking business concept or a game-changing innovation, this is your chance to make it happen. The competition aims to discover and support individuals with enterprising ideas, providing them with the guidance and resources to take their first steps towards establishing their own businesses.
Last year’s winner, Thomas Eccles from Nethybridge, wowed the judges with his ambitious plan to launch Scotland’s first net zero airline, FlyHighland Ltd. His innovative approach and determination earned him the top prize of £1000, along with a combined legal and accountancy package. Thomas used the prize money to invest in a new website and is now in talks about feasibility studies in partnership with UHI. His success story is a testament to the potential of the UHI Business Competition in turning dreams into reality.
The competition is not just about the prize money; it’s about the invaluable experience and mentorship that finalists receive. All finalists get the opportunity to receive feedback from top entrepreneurs and business advisors in the region, providing them with insights and guidance to refine their ideas.
If you’re thinking of applying, take it from Thomas Eccles himself – ‘you have to be in it to win it.’ The competition is a chance to gain exposure, experience, and support for your business idea. It’s an opportunity to be part of a community that values creativity, collaboration, and forward-thinking.
The deadline for entries is noon on Tuesday, April 18, 2024. If your idea makes the shortlist, you’ll be invited to pitch your concept to the competition judges at the UHI Inverness campus on finals day, Wednesday, May 22. It’s a chance to showcase your vision and passion, and who knows, you could be the next success story like Thomas Eccles or Jack Marley McIntyre.
Jack, the STEAM coordinator and technologist at UHI Inverness, won the Best Cultural and Environment Award and £1000 on finals day in May this year. His idea to create a sustainable events venue in Inverness is a testament to the diverse range of innovative concepts that the competition welcomes.
The UHI Business Competition also offers special cash prizes of up to £3000 for the best engineering and computing ideas, with sponsorship from the Engineers in Business Fellowship. New sponsors for next year’s competition include Codebase and Royal Bank of Scotland, adding to the support and opportunities available to aspiring entrepreneurs.
So, if you’ve got a game-changing idea or a passion project that you believe in, don’t miss out on this opportunity. The UHI Business Competition is your chance to bring your vision to life, gain valuable experience, and connect with a network of like-minded individuals and industry experts. It’s not just a competition; it’s a launchpad for your entrepreneurial journey.
Applications are open online at createhighland.com/learners/competitions.aspx. Take the leap, submit your idea, and who knows, you could be the next success story that inspires others to turn their dreams into reality.
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