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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How to raise finance without giving away any equity with Sponduly

Don’t let the unusual name Sponduly fool you, they mean serious business! Sponduly is the UK’s leading platform for creative ideas, so whether you need funding for a music, film or technology project, or whether you have a business idea or charity that is looking to raise some extra cash, Sponduly will connect you with the right people to make things happen.

Sponduly allows you to turn your project into a viral marketing campaign and helps you spread the word across the world wide web, giving you a head-start to achieving success. Sponduly works on the fairly new and ever growing concept of crowdfunding, which allows many people to view your business online and potentially invest.

Do I have to give away equity?

No, as Sponduly is a crowdfunding site entrepreneurs and project leaders get to keep 100% equity and control of their business. In return for the investment however, unique perks, rewards and incentives can be offered which create greater interest and a motivation for others to get involved.

How do I apply? 

To start raising finance with Sponduly, visit their website and create yourself an account. You will then begin to upload details to your profile, helping the community on Sponduly to understand why you are looking for investment and what you will spend the money on. Potential investors will view your campaign, and if they like what they see you will be on your way to raising finance in no time!
> To apply, visit the website HERE

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The Pitch: Be a part of Britain's biggest small business competition

Fancy entering Britain's biggest small business competition?
Win a £50,000 prize package!
For a fourth year, small business competition 'The Pitch' has returned, giving entrepreneurs across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland the chance to pitch for funding for their business. In touch economic climates, new entrepreneurs are facing more struggles than ever before in launching their business ventures. Having the idea is not always enough, and it is for this reason that competitions such as The Pitch have been created to give that little extra nudge in the right direction. Although entries for the English heat have now closed, the other three heats are still open until June, July and August.


In each heat, candidates will be required to pitch their business to a panel of judges, who will rate you by your passion, commercial viability, potential for expansion, innovation and much more. The pitch final will take place on 18th November in central London, and will feature the winners of each heat plus a wildcard contestant. The final pitches will be delivered to a panel of judges and an audience of hundreds. The evening will allow for some fantastic networking, gives a chance to meet the other finalists and hear from expert business speakers.


What is the prize?
Winners of The Pitch will receive a prize package unlike any other. Entrepreneurial support organisations have gathered together to create an all round, must have business start-up support prize. A breakdown of the prize package is as follows:

• £6000 worth of advertising packages with Yell
• 12 months free mentoring with serial entrepreneur Karen Darby
• Social media training from BuzinessZone.co.uk
• A bespoke tailored business suit from A Suit That Fits
• £4000 worth of advertising with Business Matters
• Market Research from Trends Research
• Face to face business plan support from Business Plan Factory
• PR coaching from Paula Gardner of Do Your Own PR
• Website user experience testing package from whatusersdo.com
• Consultancy services from Sift Groups
• Package of top business books worth £100

Once you have caught your breath, I am sure you will realise the unbelievable value given by this competition. It is every entrepreneurs dream!

How do I apply?

The application process starts with an application form. Begin by filling out this short form found HERE to receive the application form.

When are the deadlines?

England: CLOSED 

Wales: 12th June

Scotland: 18th July

Northern Ireland: 21st August

Here is a short video from BusinessZone.co.uk featuring last years The Pitch 2010, giving you an idea of what to expect for 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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Campaign for your business funding: Indie GoGo

Do you have a great business idea but need funding to get it off the ground? 
Are you working towards a great social cause but need that little extra cash to make it happen?


Find My Funding has been scouring the internet for ways for our entrepreneurial readers to do just that, and here's one we found. Indie GoGo provides a funding platform for people across the world who have a vision and a dream to create something spectacular. Participants create 'campaigns' in which they can make money quickly and securely by tapping into the vast network within Indie GoGo. 


Step 1: Create a professional online funding campaign on one web page.
Step 2: Share your campaign by using powerful promotional tools to raise awareness and increase funding.
Step 3: Collect your contributions quickly and easily online.
Step 4: Track contributions with analytics tools provided 


What campaigns can I create?
Although on Find My Funding we predominantly focus on your business ideas, there are also many other categories including Art, Dance, Health & Causes. For example there is a campaign to 'help a girl see the sights in Europe before her sight deteriorates', which can be found here.


Do I have to pay to create a campaign for my business?
No, the beauty of Indie GoGo is that it is free to begin. However they have to make something out of this hard work therefore they charge a 4% fee on the money raised once you reach your funding goal. There is also a 3% third party payment processors charge, and finally if you are collecting money by credit card then there is a $25 wire fee for non-US campaigns.


Will I lose equity if I raise money with Indie GoGo?
You will retain 100% ownership of your business whilst raising funding via Indie GoGo which is fantastic for small businesses that want to stay in control! However it is suggested that you offer unique perks or tax reductions in lieu of offering profit.


How do I apply?
To start raising funding you first need to create your campaign on Indie GoGo, which can be done on their website HERE


So with tens of thousands of people using Indie GoGo to raise funding for their business, project or cause, it seems like a very viable option for entrepreneurs to check out and see if it is suitable for their business. What we have realised at FMF is that Indie GoGo is not only a way of raising money, but also a great method for gaining exposure for your business on a global level. You never know, you may be approached by some serious investors that love your idea!

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Princes Trust Enterprise Programme

What is the Princes Trust Enterprise Programme?

This programme aims to support unemployed young people aged 18-30 to help them see if their business ideas are viable, and whether self-employment is right for them. This enterprise programme hopes to change people’s lives for the better, supporting them in following their dreams and giving support when starting up their business.

There are many different outcomes of this process, ranging from mentoring support to financial support. You can receive business skills training, business planning support and on-going help from a business mentor.

What does the programme do?

Ultimately this programme is about helping young people realise their next steps in life, whether it be running their own business or finding a career. For those that are interested in self-employment, the first part of the scheme involves you completing a 4 day course that is practical and interactive, covering topics that are relevant to self-employment and business. Secondly, you will receive one-to-one support, helping you choose your next step in life and put the necessary plans in place, whether it be running your own business, getting a job or going to college.

The enterprise programme is for people who:

• Have a business idea they wish to pursue
• Are aged 18-30
• Are unemployed or work less that 16 hours a week
• Live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland

How do I apply?

The Princes Trust Enterprise Programme is an on-going process so you can apply at any time. To apply, fill out an online form HERE

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Win £1000 with the Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Award

What is Shell LiveWIRE?

Shell LiveWIRE is the UK's largest online community of young entrepreneurs (ages 18-30), and not only provides fantastic advice and support but offers entrepreneurs the chance to win £1000 for their business. This award stands out from the crowd due to the fact the money is a grant - meaning there is no need to pay a penny back. This is the perfect competition for cash strapped young entrepreneurs eager to get their businesses off the ground.

How do I apply?

The application process is tough, however you would expect nothing less as you are effectively pitching to investors for funding for your business. They want to know that your idea/business is innovative and has commercial viability before they hand over the cash, therefore you will need to fill out an intense written application. This application breaks your business down into sections and requires you answer questions about your concept, your market research and your future plans.

Each month, the top businesses or ideas are short-listed to be in for a chance at winning one of the 6 monthly awards. If you are short-listed you will be required to create a 1 minute video pitch about your business that will be judged by the community of entrepreneurs and by a judging panel. These video pitches can be in any style you like as long as they put across to the investors exactly what your business is.

Your video will go live on the Shell LiveWIRE website and the race is on to gain the most votes from the public, so start sharing your video on social networking websites and telling friends and family. The videos with the highest votes will then be watched by the expert judging panel, who will choose the top 5 entrants that will receive the £1000 grant funding package and the title of 'Shell LiveWIRE Grand Ideas Award winner!'.

You have nothing to lose by applying, and it is a fantastic way of kick-starting your innovative business! Apply here today

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