Startup competitions to fund your business (and take you on holiday)
We’ve compiled all the startup competitions that are looking for your talent and want to give you money… lots of it. A few are even throwing in a free holiday too. Have a look - and keep an eye on those deadlines.
1. FOR FREELANCE TALENT: IPSE KNOCKOUT!
IPSE has kicked-off its competition to find the stars of UK self-employment and give them a helping hand. The IPSE Freelancer Awards is calling on Britain’s best and brightest independent professionals to tell us tell us why they should be crowned the UK’s best independent mind and win up to £5,000 to put towards their business. Closes on September 1st
Find out more here
2. FOR THOSE GAGGING FOR A CHINESE TAKEAWAY
HP is giving six entrepreneurs a free place on Enterprise Nation's Go Global Mission to China, while two overall winners will also receive HP technology products, training and mentoring. Entries close on 31 July.
Find out more here
3. FOR ENTREPRENEURS NEEDING A DESERT ISLAND GETAWAY
The Annual Coupofy Entrepreneurship Award is aimed at entrepreneurs globally. They are looking for the most interesting and talented entrepreneur in the world to join us for a month in Bali, Indonesia. All expenses will be covered by them. The winner is welcome to work on a project of his/her choice while they provide guidance and support. Free flights - check! Free accomodation - check! Welcome party? Check!
Find out more here
4. FOR ASPIRING POP-UP STARS
Three business owners will receive prime retail space in London for two weeks, an EE 4G Pop-Up Bundle including tablets, smartphones and mobile payments devices, £3,000 to build out their pop-up shop and advertising space in the London Evening Standard (see here). Entries close on 29 June.
Find out more here
5. FOR BUSINESSES UNDER THREE YEARS OLD
Founded in 2008 The Pitch is the UK's biggest small business competition . From the applications received 100 entrepreneurs will be shortlisted to attend a training boot camp in London or Manchester with 30 selected to pitch at the final in Bristol for a package of products, mentoring and support worth thousands of pounds. Entries close on 31 July.
Find out more
6. FOR THOSE DRIVING BUSINESS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
In the lead-up to Small Business Saturday on 5 December 100 small companies will be profiled on the campaign website and across social media. In previous years the 100 have been invited to attend a reception at Downing Street. Entries close on 17 July.
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7. FOR THOSE WANTING TO GO TO THE BUSINESS WORLD'S OSCARS
Growing Business Awards recognises the entrepreneurs powering fast growing companies. Entries close on 18 September.
Find out more
8. FOR THE UNDER 30s LOOKING FOR 5 GRAND
Every month, as part of the Shell LiveWIRE Smarter Future Awards, one entrepreneur aged 16-30 is awarded £5,000. The companies need to address the world's future transport, food, energy, or natural resource challenges, or make our urban environments cleaner, healthier and more sustainable places to work and live in. The deadline for entries is midnight on the last day of each month.
Find out more
Let us know if you've got a startup competition up your sleeve at @clubworkspace. Club Workspace is London's most innovative and exciting network of startups and SMEs. Come and join us.
