We want to invest in your

The JC is looking for the most promising new businesses in our most exciting and rewarding competition yet

FORGET THE Apprentice or Dragons’ Den. The JC is giving entrepreneurs a unique opportunity t o wi n £ 2 0 , 0 0 0 o f investment from five of the UK’s top businessmen and Investec Specialist Bank. The JC Young Entrepreneurs’ Challenge (JCYEC) is inviting start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their proposals, in an attempt to find the nation’s most exciting and promising new business ideas.

In addition to real money, prizes include thousands of pounds worth of strategic brand consultancy, financial and tax advice, mentoring and the potential for further funding.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The short-listed applicants will be invited to present their business plans to the stellar panel of judges: Stephen Grabiner, Nick Leslau, Philip Lewis, Claude Littner and Robert Voss. Five finalists will be chosen and each assigned one of the judges as a mentor for a day before having to present again.

The winner will receive an investment of £10,000 from Investec Specialist Bank, £10,000 from the judges and the opportunity for further investment and mentoring. Other rewards include a year’s worth of free financial and taxation advice from Berg Kaprow Lewis, a leading north London firm of chartered accountants and business advisers with a keen interest i n fast growing, entrepreneurial businesses, and £5,000 of strategic consultancy from £10,000 from the panel £10,000 from Investec £5,000 worth of strategic consultancy A year’s worth of financial advice Mentoring from five of the UK’s top businessmen

Profiling in the JC digitally-led creative agency Albion London.

This will cover brand positioning, social media and how to take your company public. Launched in 2002, Albion has grown into one of the UK’s most respected agencies.

It has created campaigns for highprofile digital brands including Skype, eBay and Wonga.

WHO CAN ENTER?

The competition is open to both existing businesses and new ones; companies that have been trading for under two years and with a maximum of 20 employees, or prospective start-ups with a credible idea and business plan that is close to maturity.

APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT:

A detailed and considered business plan of no more than 10 pages.

A business profile, details of the management team and financial records — past and/or projections. Presentations are likely to take place early next year and will be held in London at Investec Specialist Bank.