You may not conduct the day-to-day running of your first business within the eerie depths of a church crypt, nor for that matter own an exclusive island, but all that could be set to change. Well, the last bit anyway.
Virgin Media Pioneers yesterday launched its annual nationwide search to find Britain’s best up-and-coming business leaders, offering prizes worth over £25,000 and the opportunity to pitch to Sir Richard Branson himself.
The Start Up Award is open for businesses that have been trading for less than 12 months and is open to any type of early-stage business that falls in line with the government’s Start Up Loans scheme criteria. Each applicant will be supported in an application to seek funding and a business mentor through Branson’s new not-for-profit venture, Virgin StartUp.
The Innovation Award, on the other hand, is designed specifically for successfully trading small technology businesses looking to take their next big step. The winner will secure free enrolment into the Accelerator Academy, a 12-week programme providing workspace, training and mentoring and designed specifically with the digital entrepreneur in mind.
“Starting a business with very little capital is something I can relate to but with a little backing early on and the right idea, anything is possible,” said Branson.
“I’m looking forward to meeting more of Britain’s best young entrepreneurs through the Start Up Award. The Innovation Award is about propelling the next great British tech business forward so we’re looking for disruptive businesses who could one day give Silicon Valley a run for their money.”
The deadline for entries through www.virginmediapioneers.com is midday on April 7.
Also, don’t forget to visit the Virgin Media Pioneers stand at the Elite Business National Conference and Exhibition on 10 – 11 April 2014.
Click here for more details. 
