Andrew Stephenson, MP for Pendle, is encouraging young entrepreneurs to enter a competition which could help make their business ideas a reality.
The Young Innovators’ programme, a partnership between the Prince’s Trust and Innovate UK, is seeking young people between 18 and 30 with business ideas that could be turned into reality.
Business ideas could involve changing something for the better in a community or a new way of using technology to fix an everyday problem.
Support is available to young innovators who can commit 15 hours a week to developing their idea. Winners will receive mentoring from an innovation champion and a funding pot for activities and resources, such as travel and equipment.
The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 to 30 who are not in full time work. Applicants must register with the Prince’s Trust, where they will then be able to sign up to attend one of a series of regional events. These events will help young people develop their ideas and give more information about the application process.
The competition is part of the ‘Ideas Mean Business’ campaign which aims to engage and inspire young innovators, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The competition opens in February and award packages will be presented at the end of March.
Andrew Stephenson MP said: “I would encourage young people from Pendle who think they might have a good business idea to sign up to the Young Innovators’ Programme.”
“This competition gives young entrepreneurs the chance to develop their ideas, engage with like-minded individuals and access information and guidance from industry professionals.”