The Ideas stage of the New Enterprise Competition has now opened for 2021!
With £200 up for grabs which can go towards supporting you and developing your start-up, what’s to loose? In case you need any more convincing as to why you should submit an application, here are our top three reasons why you should apply.
Boost your start-up knowledge
The Ideas stage of the New Enterprise Competition runs alongside the Start-up Accelerator, which is designed to equip founders with start-up knowledge and the entrepreneurial skillset they need to take them to the next level.
The accelerator comprises of ten workshops which include everything you need to know when starting up, including understanding your customer and pitching your idea. On completing the programme, you’ll also receive an endorsement badge and you’ll have constant opportunities to enhance your network. Apply to take part in the accelerator today as attending these workshops will help you feel ready for you pitch for the competition!
Enhance your skillset
Pitching as part of the competition will enhance your confidence and presentation preparation skills. Even if your start-up is too early stage to tell whether this is something you’d like to work on in the future. Pitching and communicating your ideas and plans succinctly and to an audience is an important skill to have. Whether this be for a presentation as part of your degree, or after graduation. The Ideas stage will be great preparation for this.
Recognition and credibility
Building a start-up and pitching as part of the New Enterprise Competition counts towards the 70 hours experience as part of the Bristol PLUS Award. The award is designed to maximise your time at university to gain skills and experience alongside you studies. It also recognises your commitment and personal development in extra-curricular activities.
By taking part in the New Enterprise Competition and even taking part in the Start-up Accelerator, you’ll be making up some of the 70-hours experience and it will count towards the ‘4 workshops and/ or online courses’ part of the criteria for completing the Bristol PLUS Award.
After taking part in the Ideas stage of the Competition, you may wish to think about applying for the later stages. The Development stage opens for applications in December and offers funding for up to £1,000. Applicants join a prestigious group of start-ups and spinouts and are part of the 20-year tradition of celebrating and rewarding entrepreneurship at the University of Bristol.
Applications are open until Friday 5 November. Apply now to reserve a pitching slot as part of Global Entrepreneurship week.
Find out more about the competition here. Visit our blog to find out more about previous winners in previous issues of our blog. Get in touch with the team if you have any questions at careers-basecamp@bristol.ac.uk .