Entrepreneurial Barnet Competition returns with bumper cash prize for student and resident entrepreneurs

Budding entrepreneurs can showcase their business ideas in Dragon's Den style events and get coached by experts

Students and residents in Barnet borough have the chance to win thousands of pounds and raise the profile of their businesses by taking part in the Entrepreneurial Barnet Competition.

The contest offers students from Middlesex University and Barnet and Southgate College along with local residents the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas, be coached by experts and win funding to develop their business further.

Since it was launched by Middlesex University in 2014, the event has grown significantly and now involves London Borough of Barnet Council and Barnet and Southgate College working in collaboration with the university.

“The support you receive throughout the process is wonderful. I would definitely encourage anyone with a business idea to enter the competition," Marie Farmer, Entrepreneurial Barnet winner, 2018.

The rationale behind the competition is to promote and develop enterprise and entrepreneurship throughout Barnet and amongst the student population.

This year the contest is generously supported by Santander Universities UK and there’s a cash prize fund of £10,000

Entrepreneurial Barnet takes place over three stages with the intention of identifying the very best ideas and talent:

• Stage One: The Pitch
  Submit a two-minute pitch video presenting your business or idea
• Stage Two: The Plan
  A series of online workshops to help develop your idea and business
• Stage Three: The Final
  Four finalists (two from each category) pitch their business to a panel of judges

There are two categories in the competition: Commercial - ideas that have potential to become successful businesses and Social Impact - ideas that have a positive impact within communities, such as an environmental, social or other not-for-profit idea.

Group or team registrations are welcome in both categories.

The Leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Dan Thomas, said: “It’s been difficult this year for our residents and businesses to make the money they need to survive and thrive.

“We’d like to help in any way we can – whether it be through business grants, support for town centres, income support, or in funding a really innovative new idea.

“If you’re an entrepreneur, please do submit your idea, as maybe that money could be going to you.”

Matt Hutnell, Director of Santander Universities UK, said: “Santander is committed to fostering entrepreneurship within UK universities and are delighted to once again be supporting Middlesex University and their entrepreneurial activities this year.”

Barnet resident Marie Farmer won the competition in 2018 with her app that helps parents monitor and log the food they give their pre-school age children.

Marie was awarded £3,000 for the app Mini Mealtime which provides parents with healthy eating ideas and has been featured in the national media.

She said: "The support you receive throughout the process is wonderful. I would definitely encourage anyone with a business idea to enter the competition.

"It gives you an extra boost of confidence and will validate your idea.”

Find out more and register for the competition via: www.mdx.ac.uk/bigidea