UK's hunt for young business talent offers £10,000 grants and mentorship

Could your business idea win £10,000? The UK's top young entrepreneurs get grants, mentorship—and a shot at turning dreams into reality.

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2026 March 28 . 1:01 PM

1 min read

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UK's hunt for young business talent offers £10,000 grants and mentorship

A nationwide search is underway to find the UK's next young business talent. The initiative, aimed at entrepreneurs aged 16 to 21, offers grants, mentorship, and expert training to under-served communities. Applications close on Friday 15th May 2026, with a chance to win up to £10,000 in funding. The competition invites aspiring entrepreneurs to submit an application alongside a short elevator pitch video. Their business idea will determine whether they progress to one of six regional semi-finals, hosted by FRP across the UK. Each semi-final winner receives a £1,000 grant and a place in the national final.

Successful candidates gain access to enterprise bootcamps run by PJF. These sessions focus on practical skills, networking, and business development. Past participants include Ross Bailey of Appear Here and David Humpston of ViewPoint Videos, both of whom benefited from the programme's support. The national final will be judged by Peter Jones CBE and Geoff Rowley, chief executive of FRP. The overall winner takes home £10,000, while the runner-up receives £5,000. All finalists also receive ongoing mentorship to help grow their ventures. Last year's winner, Liam Harte, secured funding for Rephobia, a virtual reality therapy platform designed to support people with phobias. His success highlights the initiative's role in turning innovative ideas into reality.

The programme continues to provide opportunities for young entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. With grants, training, and mentorship on offer, the competition aims to foster the next generation of business leaders. Applications must be submitted by the 15th May 2026 deadline.