Students worldwide: Win up to 10,000euro for your social enterprise ideas

Global Prize winners 2010

Here's a competition for the students of the world. 
The importance of social entrepreneurship is being recognised worldwide and is becoming ever more prevalent in the 21st century. More competitions than ever before are being created to support the entrepreneurs out there that want to make their mark and change the world for the better. If you are one of them then listen up.


The Global Social Entrepreneurship Competition is a leading edge international social business plan competition. If you are a student in higher education, in any academic institution worldwide, you are eligible to take part! So here's what you need, all applicants must be in interdisciplinary groups with a great business idea aimed at reducing poverty in the developing world. You may have a new renewable energy concept, a plan for implementing sustainable farming in Africa, or a method of producing clean water for all. Whatever your idea it must be viable, whilst also making a real positive impact on the lives of those in countries that are less fortunate.


What is the application process?
GSEC applications go through two rounds of reviews between November-December 2011 to determine the semi-finalist GSEC teams. Semi-finalist teams are then selected and paired with mentors in December. All semi-finalist teams travel to Seattle for GSEC week, Feb-27th- March 2nd 2012, at the University of Washington. The 2012 prizes will be announced in the summer of 2011.


Am I eligible to enter?

• You must be in interdisciplinary teams
• You must be enrolled in a higher academic institution anywhere in the world
• You must have an innovative and viable business idea for tackling the issue of poverty in developing countries
• Teams may be comprised of students from different institutions

What must my business plan include?

As well as information on your business idea, your business plan must demonstrate the Social Return on Investment and also provide a social impact assessment. You business plans will be assessed on the following criteria:

1) effect on the quality of life and poverty alleviation in one or more developing economies

2) financial sustainability

3) feasibility of implementation.

What are the prizes?

The most innovative business ideas will win massive cash prizes to fund the launch of their social ventures or develop them further. 

• Grand Prize: 12,500 euro
• Information communication and technology prize: 10,000 euro
• Global Health Prize- 10,000 euro
• NCIIA Invention to Venture workshop scholarships (only US teams are eligible)

How do I apply?

Review the Rules & Eligibility and the Submission Requirements prior to entering. You can then apply online from July 1st 2011. You can then enter HERE after July 1st 2011.

DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 9TH 2011 (8AM Pacific Standard Time)

Entries open July 1st 2011

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Looking for investment of up to £500,000 for your business?

Are you looking to find £100,000 - £500,000 investment for your business?
As an entrepreneur it can be frustrating knowing that you have a fantastic business idea but are struggling to find the finance and the reputation to launch your product into the market effectively, the stage for entrepreneurs known as the 'Valley of Death'. To overcome the 'Valley of Death' and become a real player in your field requires many things, for example you need a product that has a real need, effective marketing, 24/7 hard work and persistence, and last but not least...money.


Many entrepreneurs today are crying out for more investors and more grant funding opportunities if they are to be expected to 'save the economy' and provide an enterprise-led recovery. Find My Funding has been scouring the UK for these opportunities, and is working hard at bringing them to the entrepreneurs to save time and to help recover British business.


Today FMF is featuring Horatio Investments, an organisation that says they are not a venture capital firm, but can offer investments of up to £500,000 for ideas that inspire them. Horatio Investments focuses on the South West and South Wales regions of the UK, and provides monetary funding and business support on a continuing basis to their successful applicants. Horatio Investments is not a fund and invests purely from its own resources, enabling them to escape the constraints that many Venture Capital firms face.


Who does Horatio Investments provide funding for?
As said previously, Horatio Investments focuses on entrepreneurs in the South West and the South of Wales. However they are open to businesses from all sectors. Your business can be at the proof of concept stage or requiring expansion capital. Horatio Investments are looking for businesses with originality, tenacity, commitment, and energy - so if you think you fit the bill applying could secure some much needed funding for your enterprise.
> For more details on the investment process see here


Will Horatio Investments take some equity?
Yes, as Horatio Investments is investing from their own funds they will expect a return in equity for their money and business support. It is the typical investment process.


How do I apply?
To apply to the Horatio Investment investors, you will be required to submit a Summary Business Case summing up your business and showing why you are looking for investment. You will also have to submit a funding application form that will entail a business overview, information on your market and competitors,financial forecasts, details of your management team and the level of investment required. In other words, your business plan!
> To apply, visit their website HERE

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Competition:Win £1000 for your biotechnology business

2005 competition winners

What is Biotechnology YES?

Biotechnology YES (Young Entrepreneurs Scheme) is a competition developed to raise awareness of the commercialisation of bioscience ideas among postgraduate students/postdoctoral scientists in UK Universities. Your team can win £1000 towards your business. The competition is now in its 15^th year, and gives early researchers the edge in entrepreneurial skills and future career prospects.     

What does the competition involve?

Firstly you will have to apply online via the application form. Participants then compete in teams to develop a hypothetical business idea with the help of expert mentors in biotechnology. The competition is run over 3 days (Wenesday-Friday), in which you will attend presentations from leading figures in the biotechnology industry, prepare and oral business plan, and pitch to the panel where two teams will progress to the final. The winners of the competition win £1000, other prizes are also available.

Do I have to pay to enter this competition?

No, this competition is free to enter – travel, accommodation and meals are provided. However if you or your team is selected you will be required to pay a £250 deposit, which will be refunded to you if you attend your workshop. The purpose of this is to cover any expenses if your team drops out or does not attend.

How do I enter?

To enter, fully read and understand all the details of the competition on the website and apply via the form HERE

DEADLINE: 27^TH MAY 2011

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