Young Start-Up Talent (YST) is out once again hunting for the next set of talented entrepreneurs aged between 16 and 25. ‘YST’ is an initiative that works with over 140 local and national businesses who all contribute to a prize fund worth over £50,000 in each of the six areas it currently operates to enable vital support and guidance for young start-up businesses to ensure a more sustainable future.
The workshops are currently delivered to over 60,000 youngsters across the South East, where the project works within schools, colleges, universities and youth groups to inspire and encourage a ‘can-do’ attitude towards business.
This year will be Young Start-Up Talents seventh year in the Gatwick Diamond region as they look to find the latest ‘brightest young business minds’. Candidates who are accepted are put through their paces in a number of one to one sessions, where they can get feedback from leading professionals in their field. The process culminates in a ‘Dragons Den’ style final where the candidates will make their final pitches in front of the judges in order to win the prize fund.
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council have been proud sponsors of the ‘YST’ programme in the Gatwick Diamond for four years and Simon Bland, Economic Prosperity Programme Manager was keen to reiterate his passion for the initiative.
He stated, “The notion of supporting local entrepreneurs is always exciting and we want to make sure that we do everything we can to enhance their experience in our area.”
Lorraine Nugent and managing director of Young Start-up Talent, said “It is very much about helping young people who are new to business and teaching them the skills and discipline they need. The winners are achieving a business with real money.”
Applications are now open to anyone between the age of 16-25 who live, work or study in the Gatwick Diamond area and who want to be part of the mentoring process towards winning a prize fund worth up to £50,000 to kick-start their business. Applications for entry are open via the website http://youngstartuptalent.co.uk with a closing date for entries of 16th December 2016.