Competition for young entrepreneurs launches in Scotland

A competition aimed at the next generation of entrepreneurs has just launched in Scotland and is calling for entries.

The Kickstart project is open to 18- to 25-year-olds with an “exciting business or innovative idea” in any sector. It offers the winner a grant of £10,000 along with mentoring and accountancy advice worth the same amount, while two runners-up will each receive £5,000 worth of mentoring and advice. The initiative, which was launched in 2013 by accountant Baldwins, is now being rolled out in Scotland by Campbell Dallas and Springfords.

Chris Horne, managing partner at Campbell Dallas, said: “Scotland is famed for its young entrepreneurial talent, but with so much economic uncertainty at present it is essential that we support the next generation of entrepreneurs as they build their businesses.”

Last year, Harry Smith and Jack Cornes won the top prize for their concept of wallclimbing painting robots, with the investment enabling them to develop an investorready prototype. David Baldwin, director at Baldwins, which acquired Campbell Dallas and Springfords last year, said the project has developed an “enviable reputation for developing talented homegrown entrepreneurs, and the growing standard of entries… shows us that there is still more to come”. The deadline for applications is August 31. 0 Chris Horne, managing partner of Campbell Dallas