Competition seeks out business ideas

Entrepreneurs in the north of Scotland are being invited to submit business ideas to win cash prizes in a regional competition.

For the third year running, UHI colleges together with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust and Alchemy Plus, are on the lookout for fresh business talent. Individual prizes of £500 are up for grabs in a prize pool totalling £2,300.

The competition is open to anyone over the age of 16 who currently lives in the Highlands and Islands or Perthshire. Successful applicants will be asked to meet a panel of friendly judges to answer questions about their idea including who the intended customers are, what would help make the idea a reality and what inspired the idea. T

he aim of the competition is to encourage enterprise and innovation in the region. For the most innovative idea, as well as receiving a large cash prize, IT services company Alchemy Plus will also offer ongoing mentoring support.

Alchemy Plus executive chairman Peter Swanson said: “This competition is great, as it seeks to encourage the wealth of home-grown talent that we have in the region.”

Last year’s over 24s Winner was 27 year-old Ruth Taylor from Aviemore. Ruth and a friend came up with the idea to supply child care services for holiday makers in self catering accommodation. Ruth said: “The entrepreneurial competition was great. The advice we received as well as the financial support was invaluable. When there’s a panel of judges that have been there and done it, if they really believe in your idea then that gives you the boost you need.”

Carol Langston, enterprise curriculum manager at Inverness College UHI, has organised the programme since its launch three years ago. Carol said: “We know there are a great many people across the region covered by all the UHI partners, with interesting and innovative business ideas and we are keen to encourage and support them.”

The closing date for this years competition is 5 November 2008, entry forms can be obtained at any of the UHI colleges or at www.inverness.uhi.ac.uk/business.

For further information, please telephone 01463 273 666 or email businessidea@inverness.uhi.ac.uk