Top Two Funding Platforms for Entrepreneurs Under 25

Over the last year or so I have received funding from several funding platforms, all of which have helped my confidence, my network and the business grow. I have been given fantastic opportunities to meet other entrepreneurs in my age bracket who have become close friends. My mentors include those at the top of their field in tech, media and business. Needless to say I feel blessed to have the right people around me. However, out of all these programs I have selected my top two that I would recommend to any other young entrepreneur out there looking to launch a business venture or social enterprise. 

#1 - O2 Think Big

Who is it for? The age range for Think Big is aimed at young people looking to start a community interest project to improve a social issue in their area. The program is part of O2's corporate social responsibility program for people aged between 13-25 years old.

What support do they offer? Think Big O2 focus on offering mentoring support, business training and funding on three levels. Starting at the initial £300 for the Think Big Scheme, £2500 for Think Bigger, and a final round of up to £10,000 through the UnLtd and O2 join scheme. The final stage includes a residential weekend with 30 other young startups to go through training and build your network. In addition you are invited to participate in events and press releases are sent out on your behalf. For example through my time with O2 Think Big I featured in the Yorkshire Evening Post twice and had the chance to write an article for the Huffington Post. The events I attended included the opening of the Wayra Centre in London hosted by the Deputy Prime Minster, Nick Clegg. The support team within this initiative is particularly willing to help all applicants, although it can be a little patronising at times, it is definitely worth the application.

How do you apply? Online - Follow the link to see the full details of applying  

http://www.o2thinkbig.co.uk/

#2 - UnLtd

Who is it for? UnLtd make a strong point of supporting all social entrepreneurs that come in all shapes and sizes, the youngest of which I have met was 12! I must stress that this is ONLY for social entrepreneurs (those that run a business tackling a social issue).

What support do they offer? A large mentoring network, funding and training in business. UnLtd really encourage a community of social entrepreneurs and hold free events for those on the program to socialise. I have personally attended events to hear to stories of other entrepreneurs to discuss how they got started, look for collaboration and build my own support network. Throughout the program the mentoring has introduced me to tech experts, music experts and has helped with producing the legal documents for the business. In addition to events and mentoring the training weekend that UnLtd offer is excellent with business professional taking the time to go through legal structures, brand development and answer any other questions you may have about starting your business. However, the weekend is also a chance to meet people who are also starting up in your age group. I would highly recommend this platform to anyone who is looking for life long friends that can support you through your journey. 

How do you apply? Online - Follow the link below to see full details of applying

https://unltd.org.uk/

Good luck and feel free to tweet me @kimmydickson1 if you have any questions with applying.


Kimmy x

Benefit's of Uni, Excluding the Degree when Starting a Business

One of the proudest moments of my life had to be my graduation ceremony in July 2014, I had finally done it! After three years of studying International Development with Geography it had all come down to that one day. As a massive milestone in my development as a person and life the day offered some unexpected reflection of my last three years. I couldn't resist just the one picture and a quick note to show gratitude for The University of Leeds via social media.

 

Graduation day!

 Having looked at my accomplishments I then started to think...'could this all really be possible without the university's support?' - so what does University offer for start-ups?


1) Mentoring and support - I can't speak for all Universities but the mentoring and funding I received from The University of Leeds through their Spark initiative put me with some of the top business professionals in the city offering a whole weekend of Q & A and ongoing support.

2) Funding - The University of Leeds has one of the top funding scholarship programs offering funding for 13 creative business teams each year, one of which I was lucky to be awarded.

3) Time - Yes a student loan can be a burden but it also offered time to find your feet in your business. I know for a fact had I started the business one year later I would have not been able to survive.

4) Peer support - After gaining a scholarship and becoming part of the Spark initiative I begun to surround myself with people my age that were also starting their businesses. What is nice is as they grow their network so do you. Often you come across similar problems and challenges within your business which you can help each other overcome.

5) Resources and skills - Students are often classed as lazy and unproductive... I can tell you this is far from the truth. In reality most students are desperate to explore and try opportunities. Therefore I was never short of people willing to offer their skills to help with the business, getting some essential experience in business or see what the music business had to offer.


Kimmy x