Belfast City Council’s ‘22 Under 22: Entrepreneurs to Watch in Belfast’ competition is now open for entries from aspiring business brains within the council area, aged 16 to 22, who are at the idea or early-stage phase.
22 entries will make the initial shortlist and take part in a two-month programme of workshops, featuring leading entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries.
The winner will receive a £2,000 prize towards their business goals, thanks to sponsors Danske Bank, Pacem, Herbert Smith Freehills, Innovation Factory and Go Succeed.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said that “this competition attracted a lot of interest when it opened last year” resulting in an extension of the entry criteria to enable graduates to also enter this time around.
“Supporting young people and local businesses to thrive are both key commitments in the Belfast Agenda – our city’s community plan – so this is a great way to nurture the young entrepreneurial talent whose ideas and ventures will be so crucial to our city’s future success and growth,” he said.
“Setting up your own business should be a viable option for all young people, whatever their background or age. Through this competition, participants will have the opportunity to access top-class advice and guidance, a support network of their peers, hands-on workshops covering the basics of running a business, plus the chance to kick-starting their own venture with £2,000 of support.”
Applicants for the competition must be aged at least 16 years old by 14 October and be no older than 22 years old by the programme closing date of 5 December 2024.
The deadline for applications is 12pm on Monday 4 November and workshops will take place from mid-November until early December.
To enter, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/22under22
