Startup Awards North East How it works
The categories
The final event spans an entire day and is organised into the following categories. Participants can enter only one category and must be available to attend the in-person live finals.
SkillUP - This category is suitable for those who haven't yet registered their business ideas with Companies House. You may not have a fully developed idea and are simply exploring the concept of starting a business.
StartUP - This category is for newly registered businesses with an annual turnover of less than £15,000.
ScaleUP - Designed for businesses that have been operational for a few years, are looking to expand, and have an annual turnover exceeding £15,000.
The Awards
Across each category (SkillUP, StartUP and ScaleUP) applicants will be considered for one of two awards: the Growth Award or the Impact Award.
The Growth Award recognises businesses with a clear and robust business model, realistic ambitions to grow, and the potential to create employment within the next 12 months.
The Impact Award celebrates businesses that are driven by social or environmental goals, can demonstrate how their decisions support these aims, and have thought about how they will measure success.
Don’t worry if applying feels nerve-wracking - the FIRST team is here to support you throughout the process, including access to our one-day accelerator, designed to help you refine your pitch, build courage and strengthen your self-belief ahead of the awards.
Are you curious about starting up a business? #SkillUP
Do you love the idea of being your own boss? Do you want to make some extra cash and have a side hustle alongside your current role or studies?
You may not even have a business idea but you want to explore opportunities. Or if you do have an idea this is the perfect opportunity to test ideas without having to take that scary leap into the unknown.
You will meet peers, mentors, collaborators and have the opportunity and space to consider if you want to progress, pivot or pause your startup.
Just registered your business? #startup
With a turnover of less than £15,000, you've just registered your business or set up as a freelancer and are looking to generate more business enquiries.
You may need resources such as a website, funding, a coworking space or your first office.
If you want to be immersed in the region's business community to access the resources to make your startup a success, then this is the category for you!
Looking to grow your business? #scaleup
You've got ambitions for world domination! customers generating revenue and a turnover of more than £15,000 a year.
You may need help hiring staff, getting your next premises, expanding your supply chain or funding opportunities for growth - if any of these ring true then #ScaleUP is for you.
You will make meaningful connections that will take you and your business to the next level.
Eligibility
The Startup Awards North East are fully inclusive, and open to anyone over 16 years old in the North East Region. Whether you are curious about starting up and want to explore opportunities and ideas, or you are a registered sole trader or business established less than 4 years the awards are open to all levels of experience so there is a category to suit you.
Awards timeline
Applications Open
12th MarchInvestor Ready Accelerator
TBCShortlist confirmed
Announced in the summerLive final
TBCFollow up opportunities
October onwardsLive Finals Running Order
TBC
I have a question!
Not sure what/who/where/why/when? Give us a shout by clicking the contact button below and the team will be in touch :)