Time to put on your thinking caps – entries are now open for Innovate 2015, the annual competition run by BCC that gives entrants an opportunity to turn their ideas into cold, hard cash and a viable business.
Entries are open until 17 May but don’t wait until the last minute – get cracking on your application now.
How it works:
Stage 1 involves submitting your idea and a quick summary of the potential business.
If your idea makes the first cut, you will progress to Stage 2, which includes the completion of a detailed online survey.
In a new twist for 2015, everyone who makes it to Stage 2 will be required to attend Startup Weekend – where you can build a business in 54 hours. “Contestants will not be able to work on their Innovate idea, but will spend the weekend gaining hands-on experience in market validation, business plan development and pitch making,” says Dave Craig, BCC marketing manager. “It’s a way of identifying talent and gaining skills,” says Craig.
BCC expects to invite up to 50 entrants from Stage 2 to make presentations to the Innovate 2015 judges, who will choose the top 10 finalists.
Over the subsequent 10 weeks, the Innovate Top 10 will complete a market validation course that has a value per person of $3000. Final presentations will be made to the judging panel in August and a supreme winner – who will take home $10,000 in prizes – will be named. Will that be you? Each of the 10 finalists will receive $500 in cash and a goody bag filled with helpful resources for growing a business.
For more information and to enter, visit Innovate 2015.
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