Catalyst Founders are running a business plan competition across all members of YEUK. If you have an idea and a passion to run your own business, this is the first step in your journey. If your business plan is selected by the panel of judges, you will be invited to pitch, in person, to Catalyst Founders, with the chance to receive investment and support for your idea. For more information on Catalyst Founders please go to www.catalystfounders.com.
FAQs:
Is the competition open to all? Yes, all members of YEUK, from across the country, can submit an application.
When is the application deadline? The deadline for submissions is 30th July, 2016, with successful entrants being invited to pitch in person at a mutually convenient date in August.
What type of business ideas are you looking for? We are looking at ideas of all shapes and sizes! We are looking for ideas that could become big businesses; make sure you research your market size and competitors.
What format should the business plan be in? We are excited by receiving business plans in multiple formats; a formal presentation is great, however you can also send us a short video, or 5-minute audio piece. We appreciate that people work in different ways, therefore the medium that you choose should be representative of your personality.
What should we include in the business plan? We want to understand what problem the idea in question seeks to solve, the market size and competitors and how the idea is going to become a) profitable and b) large. We also want to know a little more about you and why you are passionate about this idea.
Who should apply? Anyone who is passionate about their idea and committed to becoming an entrepreneur.
Tell me more about the face-to-face pitch. If you are successful, you will be invited to pitch, in person to the Catalyst Founders team. Here, you will be pitching for the chance to become a Catalyst Founder; receiving investment and support to turbo-charge your fledgling idea. The top 3 ideas will receive an award, regardless of an eventual investment.
Where do I send my application? Please send your application to info@catalystfounders.com
This is an investment not a grant.  We provide a start up ‘toolkit’ – all the essentials to start up a business (support with banks accounts, legals, accounting, website, design, brand etc.). We also provide a strong network and business mentor for young founders. These mentors will be relevant and appropriate to the individual founder. The CF network is growing and can be used by young founders – accessing expertise and knowledge from a variety of experienced business leader and angels.
I have more questions, who can I ask? Please send an e-mail to info@catalystfounders.com.
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