Young Start-up Talent are an initiative targeted at aiding and encouraging 16-25 year olds who are in the process of starting up their own business. Marking the project’s first year in Chichester, a 121 speed-networking event took place at Chichester Park Hotel on the 18th of July.
Multiple applicants from across the region applied online to be whittled down to a final five. These young minds took part in the speed networking event which saw business professionals from the Chichester area face the aspiring entrepreneurs and their business plans. Sponsor Gary Shipton said “Young people come up with the most genius solutions to problems that we hadn’t even noticed – it’s fascinating.”
Chichester District Councillor, Gillian Keegan said “It goes without saying that we want to have more people setting up businesses. We’re very keen to get more young people staying and working in Chichester.” She went on to say “I’m really looking forward to meeting the people and listening to their ideas and the entrepreneurial drive of the young people.”
Semi Finalists for the day included:
Angelika Hegedus
Charlie Keegan
Paul Nicholls
Charles Taylor
Khee Tan
Contestant Paul Nicolls said “The process has taught me a lot already. I’ve had some great feedback and tonnes of ideas to go away and develop for my business.” While Charles Taylor said “I’ve really enjoyed today, I’ve even managed to make a sale!”
The semi-finalists were previously invited to a business know-how workshop to polish up their business pitches in time to face the sponsors. With ideas ranging from handmade bespoke pens to a porcelain doll gallery, the day was certainly not short of entrepreneurial spirit. Offering feedback and guidance, the professionals deciphered who has what it takes to carry their business plan to the next stage of the process. Chichester Judge, Warren Cooper of NatWest said “It’s been interesting to see the different ideas and the way the young entrepreneurs have approached things” Finalists will be put through a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style presentation event on the 22nd of September at the Bishops Palace with the winner of a prize fund worth upto £50k will be chosen and announced at a showcase event on 27th October at the South Downs Planetarium.
Sponsors involved this year include: