Young entrepreneurs compete for £10,000 in new UK funding initiative

A new initiative is offering young entrepreneurs aged 16 to 21 the chance to win funding and mentorship. The programme targets under-served communities and aims to support fresh business ideas. Applications close on Friday 15th May 2026, with judges including entrepreneur Peter Jones CBE and FRP's chief executive, Geoff Rowley.

To enter, applicants must submit a written proposal alongside a short video pitch explaining their business concept. Those selected will attend enterprise bootcamps run by the Peter Jones Foundation (PJF), where they'll develop practical skills and build professional networks.

Six regional semi-finals will take place across the UK, hosted by FRP. Each semi-final winner receives £1,000 and progresses to the national final. The overall champion will secure a £10,000 grant, while the runner-up gets £5,000. All finalists also benefit from ongoing mentorship. Last year's winner, Liam Harte, took home the top prize for Rephobia, a virtual reality platform designed to help people overcome phobias. Previous participants include Ross Bailey, founder of Appear Here, and David Humpston of ViewPoint Videos.

The initiative provides funding, training, and exposure for young entrepreneurs from under-represented backgrounds. Finalists will present their ideas to a panel that includes Peter Jones CBE, with the winner announced after the national final. The programme continues to expand opportunities for the next generation of business leaders.