Join the Entrepreneurial Barnet Competition
What's your big idea?
Do you have an idea for a new start-up, product or service? Or are you running a business that’s less than a year old that could do with a boost?
If so, we want to hear from you. Develop your business skills, attend practical workshops and masterclasses, showcase your ideas, and compete for a share of our £20,000 prize pot.
About the competition
'What's Your Big Idea?' aims to promote and develop enterprise and entrepreneurship throughout Barnet.
The competition offers Barnet residents, Middlesex University and Barnet and Southgate College students the chance to showcase their ideas, attend business development workshops and win funding to help grow their business.
‘What’s Your Big Idea?’ is led by Middlesex University, Barnet Council and Barnet and Southgate College with the generous support of Santander Universities and Brent Cross Shopping Centre.
Get more competition information
Who can join
The competition is open to Barnet residents, Middlesex University and Barnet and Southgate College students.
Full eligibility criteria and rules can be view on our competition terms and conditions.
Download the terms and conditions (pdf)
How does it work?
‘What’s Your Big Idea?’ takes place over three stages with the intention of identifying the very best talent and ideas.
Stage 1 - the pitch: to enter the competition, contestants must submit a 90-second about their business or idea
Stage 2 - the plan: those selected for stage two attend a series of workshops and masterclasses led by seasoned entrepreneurs and experts to help support and develop your business or idea.
Stage 3 - the final: six finalists will be identified by independent judges to progress to the final and pitch their ideas to a panel of experts.
Prizes
The finalists are split into two categories - 1) Barnet residents and Barnet and Southgate College students, and 2) Middlesex University students and recent graduates - with three contestants in each. The winner of each category will receive £5,000, second place £3,000 and third £2,000 in equity-free prize money.
How to enter
Submit a 90-second video pitch about your business or idea, speaking directly to the camera. The video doesn't need to be high quality - clarity is key for evaluation. Please structure your pitch to include:
- Introduction: briefly introduce yourself.
- Problem: clearly define the problem you’re addressing.
- Solution: explain how your business or idea solves the problem.
- Why You: share why you’re best suited to lead this venture.