Entrepreneurial initiative celebrating tenth year of working with young business talent

The entrepreneurial initiative, Young Start-up Talent (YST), now in its tenth year of helping local young business minds is once again on the look-out for those aged 16-25 with drive and passion to develop their business ideas.

Over the years, the entrepreneurial initiative has worked with hundreds of enthusiastic youngers from across the South East with many starting their businesses and now employing others across the region and beyond.

Ana Christie, CEO of the Sussex Chamber of Commerce and judge for the initiative, commented on the process; “It’s brilliant to see how the candidates develop through the process and how they take on board all our advice moving forward”.

Earlier this year the initiative worked with William Venner – one of the youngest contestants during 2019 at aged just 17, who first started his business GMod Admin Suite at just 14 years old and continued to be highly successful to grow the business to currently 800 customers in over 100 countries. GMod Admin Suite is an online administrative gaming software business that William has developed through a well-known video game called Garry’s Mod.

Since impressing the judges and local business professionals involved in the project, William has since turned 18, completed his A levels (gained A*AA), being offered a place at Sussex University, received a cash prize fund to help develop his business, regular mentoring sessions, help with his financials plus a summer paid internship at one of the initiatives long term sponsors of the initiative, Thales UK in Manor Royal in addition to continuing to run his own business.

William had wowed the YST team throughout the process with his professionalism, drive and enthusiasm.  Dave Kickham Vice Principal at Thales UK and judge for the entrepreneurial initiative saw the potential in William and his incredible software skills – William has since been working on real live projects at Thales where the team have been impressed and since extended his contract.

William commented “I thoroughly enjoyed the YST process and have learnt so much already, in addition to the amazing opportunities offered - it has been life changing.”

The team are now out and about looking for their next round of young entrepreneurs. Are you or do you know a 16-25-year-old who has the next big idea? Or simply one that could change the future? Then what are you waiting for?

Young Start-up Talent is looking for young entrepreneurs with a passion for business and the drive to run their own company, whatever that may be. A prize fund of carefully selected business products and services donated by both local and national businesses is on offer that will help kick-start a business.

Entrants can apply an individual, or part of a group up to five people. The closing date for applications is 23rd December 2019. All successful candidates will then be contacted via email with a workshop programme.

But remember, it’s not just about the prize fund. Once accepted onto the process, our candidates can meet a huge range of business individuals that will help build up a network to help develop their business. With further opportunities offered to those that stand out and impress, with some being offered internships, mentoring and advice to progress their business along the way. 

With Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) fast approaching, now is the perfect time to enter.

Lorraine Nugent – Director and Co-Founder of the entrepreneurial initiative said; “Each year we see a diverse range of businesses – ranging from technology to clothing to cosmetics and well-being to name but a few. It’s always exciting to see what new ideas are put forward each year, we are never disappointed with the entrepreneurial talent. The team really looking forward to meeting and working with this years’ candidates.”

Apply or nominate a local young entrepreneur now at http://www.youngstartuptalent.co.uk/enter/ or contact us to find out more information on: [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you!