What is the Enterprise Challenge?
The Enterprise Challenge is an annual competition that provides mentoring, training and funding for entrepreneurial students who want to pursue an idea. All students and recent graduates of up to two years out are eligible to apply; and you don't need any prior business experience to take part.
There are two streams that you can apply for: a Social Stream, if your business will have a positive environmental or social impact (you can still generate a profit through this stream), and a Commercial Stream, for any general business idea.
Applicants will receive free 1-1 advice, training activities, mentoring, and the chance to win generous cash prizes to help you to build your enterprise.
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Prizes
This year, our wonderful prizes generously funded by Santander Universities and Engineers in Business are:
- Greenwich Entrepreneur of the Year - £5000 cash prize
The top prize, decided by our judging panel. The winner of this prize has polished their idea and proven that their business has a strong model which will be successful in the future. - Engineers in Business- £2000 cash prizeIf you, or anyone in your group is an engineer student, then you are eligible to win this prize. Your idea mixes your engineering skills with a strong business model creating a great product.
- Commercial Category Winner - £2000 cash prize
A prize for the idea most likely to go and make a profit. You will have developed a strong business plan throughout the competition and are ready to make some cash. - Social Category Winner - £2000 cash prize
Not every idea is for profit. If you're planning a social enterprise to give back to the community, and have developed this idea with us, then this prize is for you. - People's Choice Award - Best Pitch £500 cash prize
Completely decided by the audience, this prize is reserved for the pitch that convinces everyone in the attendance that their idea are great, so make sure your personality shines during your pitches.
How to apply
Applications for the Enterprise Challenge 2024 will open on 04/10/2023. Please check this page for updates.
Previous winners
Want a taste of what pitching in the semi-finals is like? Watch below our 2022 winners semi-finals pitches!
Urban Rise
Enabling companies to give back to the community and to help tackle poverty by teaching disadvantaged kids’ financial literacy courses.
Blooming Rainbows
Eco-plantable greetings cards for all members of the adoption community. Printed on the front is an eco-friendly-ink design, and each card is lined with wild seeds.
Ceilán
Ethically sourced skincare brand where every purchase ensures clean water, protection against dengue fever and support for schools.
UMMACH
World's first affordable, universally transformable modular-miniature air-conditioning and heating systems.
Cheeky Chimps
After school childcare provision within Ebbsfleet with the purpose to serve the three new schools within the development.