The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is looking for up to 10 would be entrepreneurs living or working in former coal mining areas, who want to launch their own new social business.  The programme aims to support people with new, imaginative and innovative ideas that create jobs and respond to worklessness in Scotland’s coalfield areas.

If you are over 16 years old, have a new idea that will create jobs for local people, in coalfield communities across Scotland, and need support and funding to get your new business or project off the ground, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust have up to £100,000 Challenge Awards to support the 10 most innovative ideas submitted by new businesses (who have operating for 12 months or less).

Each of the 10 finalists will receive a package of business and development support tailored to help develop their idea, no matter how big or small, and pitch this to a panel of Judges at a Boot Camp in February 2012 where they will agree who wins a financial award to help them develop their idea and create jobs in Coalfield Communities. 

The Awards

The ventures that show most promise and demonstrate that they are investment ready will qualify for one of the following awards :

• A 1st Award of £50,000
• Two Runners Up will each receive £10,000
• Up to 7 Level 3 Awards of £4,000

The Winner and Runners Up will receive agreed levels of support after the programme ends and all awards are subject to Terms and Conditions and cannot be used for individual gain.

The closing date for applications is 5pm 30^th September 2011. 

To find out more or to apply please contact the Challenge Team

01259 272127

Pauline.douglas@coalfields-regen.org.uk