Two weeks left to apply for The Big Idea Competition

The Big Idea Competition is designed to enhance your entrepreneurial skills and help you build and grow your business. Participants will get access to workshops and mentoring to support their growth, and finalists can get a share of a £50,000 funding pot.

What you will get from the experience

Freelance

• Develop your ability to pitch your work and skills to clients, collaborators and advisors
• Learn how to generate more revenue as a paid professional freelancer
• Grow your network and build your personal brand

Ideate

• Learn how to build a business model for new business ideas
• Develop a strategy to test your concept and communicate it
• Refine your presentation skills to engage potential supporters and attract initial interest

Accelerate

• Grow your existing business or Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
• Deliver a compelling pitch to attract funding
• Plan to make your business financially sustainable

Key dates

• Increase your odds of success by attending our programmes and events
• January-March 2024: attend the online information sessions for guidance on the competition and application process (optional)
• 28 March 2024: applications close at 5pm
• 15-16 April 2024: Big Idea Bootcamps
• April-May 2024: 1:1 sessions with an expert
• 6 June 2024: Semi-Final - Book your place to attend the Semi-Final
• Summer 2024: Mentoring for selected finalists
• October 2024: Grand Final

How to apply

• Complete an application form
• Submit a one-minute video
• Complete a Santander X Application, if you are applying for the Ideate or Accelerate categories

Find out more about the entry categories and prize funding.

Apply now for the Big Idea Competition.