Young Entrepreneur Awards - Should I Enter?

[MarkPearson]

I am thinking abount entering a UK Young Entrepreneur Competition.

But as my business is so new... Is it worth me entering?

I know this award would really raise the profile of the business and bring lots of media attention.

But RosesbyDesign.com is still only 8 weeks old.

Is my business too young to be thinking about entering?

Does anyone have any advice of important points I should raise in my entry form and how I can get my entry noticed?

Also does anyone else know of business award I could enter?

[Hayles]

I say go for it Mark. It's experience and exposure, and by the time the judges come to see you (another 8 weeks probably?), your business will be older! And how long did it take to plan the business? This should surely be included too?

You may not win this year but it could give you some ideas on what the judges are looking for and you could do better next year.

Good luck!

[Coding Monkey]

I think you're one of a very small number of people who have done something unique. I'm a mere copy ;)

Go for it

[SillyJokes]

Yes, you should certainly enter. This is a real case of you have to be in it to win it.

We never expected to win the ecommerce awards that we did. You do need to put the correct amount into filling out the forms though, but it will pay off, I bet.

[mumper]

Go for it Mark - you've got nothing to lose by trying and your business is hardly run-of-the-mill - good luck whatever you decide.

[MarkPearson]

Hi Tom,

My business is only unique to the UK and Europe.

The idea has been around for a few years and quite popular in the US.

[Coding Monkey]

Well, in that case, you've successfully identified a niche!

Always look on the bright side ;)

[bitsnstuff]

Go for it Mark. What with television spots and then awards, you will be the first UKBF celebrity and EbonyBailey will start getting guest appearances for you!! LOL

No really, go for it, I am sure you will do well with it.

Kate :lol:

[fastfences]

Hi Mark.
First of all, are you young?

I would enter, and speaking from my experience of entering the Natwest Start-up Awards last year www.startups.co.uk it is an invaluable experience. To echo others, 8 weeks is not too short because part of the business was the research and structuring etc, which would stretch it a couple of months. In the words of Nike, 'Just do it.'
Cheers, Nigel

[Hayles]

Nigel, does that mean you're agreeing with me? Blimey :shock: :lol:

[MarkPearson]

Thanks Kate :-)

Hi Nigel, how old/young do you think I am?

I am 25, the competition is for 18-30 year olds in business for less than 18 months.

I may also look at the Natwest one..... :-)

[creacom]

Go for it Mark.

You have a great business, unique product and it is really popular !!

Best of luck

Jacqui

[Mortime Business Software]

I know I havn't been around here for very long, and I don't even know you, but the general behaviour and good will of the people in this place have made me feel as though I really belong here. Therefore I would like to add my support and wish you all the very best of luck Mark.

If the rules allow young businesses to enter, then you must have as good a chance as anyone else, so do it.

Dave

[clairemackaness]

Hi Mark, I'd say go for it you have nothing to loose and as for how you can make your application stand out how about supporting letters from all the UKBF members. I'd certainly do one for you and I'm sure others would too. We all think you've done really well.

[MarkPearson]

Well, if I had any reasons why I thought I should not enter that has changed now with all your support to go ahead.

Thanks you lot for all your positive thoughts and suggestions.

I will let you guys know how I get along.

Would be great to even be selected as a finalist, I do feel my business was conceived here on UKBF so have you all to thank for everyones help and support all those months ago!

[Fivez]

What Awards it is you are entering? There are so many around!

Stu

[MarkPearson]

Was thinking about the Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

And Nigel (fast fences) pointed me in a direction towards a Natwest Sponsored one.

I am unsure of any others.... yet.

[Urban Space]

Mark mate, what's there to think about? Go for it! When I'm 15, that's 20% of my life expectancy gone! 1/5th of my life! In 5 years, when you're out of that age band, you'll regret what might have been.

Go for it, you only live once!

Liam

[Ozzy]

Hi Mark,
Yes enter those awards and a large number of others.

If you want some help writing a winning entry give me a shout, you have my contact details. I've won quite a number of awards now, and its all in the way you word the entry :)
I can also give you a list of different awards to enter, and where to go to get information on them all.

Ecommerce Awards, FSB Awards, Chamber Awards, National Business Awards, Startups, Parcelforce Small Business, to name a few.

I do not think I'll be entering many awards this year as I will be working as an Ambassador for some of them in some PR excercises.

[IMEX Sourcing Services]

Hey Mark,

Go for it..speaking from my experience, these competitions can be great fun.

You not only learn so much about how business works, but I think they enable you to express your ideas and thoughts in those technical terms and manipulated figures, which judges and investors like to see. They are also a Great way of networking. Throughout the 6 - 8 months that i worked on my business plan, I met a number of professionals from different fields, which was a fabulous experience. SO I would say Go for it Big Time....and oh Yeah finally dont forget all the fame you get if you win....many of these events are covered by the press and sometimes the media, so it might result in good publicity for you and your business.

Keep us updated....Good Luck

[jennymarsden]

Hi Mark,

At Shell Livewire we have two kinds of awards I think you should definitely look at :)

1. Shell Livewire Grand Ideas Awards
2. Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

The Shell Livewire Grand Ideas Awards are aimed at giving start ups in their first 12 months of trading a kick start. They are for UK-based businesses ran by 16-30 year olds and the awards go to businesses with the most innovative ideas to help launch your business. There are up to 6 £1000 awards every month. Apply online at the Shell Livewire UK website.

The Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the year Award is again for UK based 16-30 year olds who have been in business between 3 and 18 months. It is a £10,000 award that recognises truly outstanding Entrepreneurs. Again - applications currently been accepted online until the 6th September.

Publicity comes with both awards. In 2009, 38 young entrepreneurs benefitted from publicity in the media as a result of their involvement in Shell LiveWIRE, eight in the national media.

News of their ventures reached a total audience of almost 17 million people. The 2009 Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Robert Matthams, benefited from coverage in the Financial Times and the Independent as well as broadcast media such as Radio 5 Live. Articles and features on his business reached a combined audience of over 7 million readers and listeners.

Go for it! If you need more information call the Shell Livewire team on 0191 423 6229.

Jen

[Tork UK]

Hi Mark,

I'd say go for it! Even if you don't win you'll benefit from increased exposure just by entering so it's worth it. You can't lose anything from trying!

Good luck with the business wither way

Chris

[DuaneJackson]

This thread is ancient.

If Mark entered that award, I hope he won. He's doing VERY well these days. Check out myvouchercodes for a start.

[Tork UK]

Oh, wow, this is an old thread! Didn't notice that at the time! Well, yeah, i hope it all worked out well for you Mark!