UHI Business Competition 2025

How to enter

Applicants can enter individually or as a group and the closing date for entries is Wednesday 26 February 2025 all you need to do is register for an online account on CREATE’s website and answer the following questions:

• Describe your business concept.
  • What makes it unique? What specific need or problem are you addressing, and why will customers choose your business over others?
• What inspired you to develop this idea?
  • Was there a particular experience, challenge, or observation that sparked your creativity?
• Who is your target audience?
  • Define your customer base in terms of age, interests, and demographics. Will you cater to a specific group or a broader mix of people?
• What resources will you need to bring your business idea to life?
  • Consider physical space, equipment, team members, funding, and any other essential elements.

We have created an Aide Memoire to help you prepare your entry before submitting it. Please note that only applications submitted through the online system will be accepted for the UHI Business Competition. Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation email at your chosen address—please check your junk mail in case it ends up there.

The system allows you to save your entry as you go, and a confirmation email will be sent each time you save. Again, please check your junk mail to ensure you receive these emails. Once you are satisfied with your entry, simply click the 'Submit' button.

All information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality and shared only with approved competition organisers and judges, all of whom have signed a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement. Your personal data is processed based on legitimate interest, as you have chosen to participate in the competition. It will be used solely for the purpose of managing the competition and will be deleted at the end of the current academic year. However, anonymised statistical and demographic data may be retained for research purposes for up to 10 years.

Judging process

The UHI Business Competition judges will convene in early March 2025 to review entries and select a shortlist of candidates. Those shortlisted will be contacted by a member of the CREATE team and invited to attend in Inverness on Wednesday 26 March 2025. On this day, shortlisted candidates will:

1. Present and discuss their ideas with the judging panel.
2. Fulfil any additional terms and conditions, if applicable, to qualify for award funds.
3. Attend the prize-giving event, which will take place that evening in Inverness.

Where applicable, reasonable travel and accommodation costs for shortlisted entrants may be covered for the finals day, subject to prior approval from the competition organisers.

All shortlisted candidates will receive support to prepare for their presentation, including at least one full practice session with guidance.

Additionally, all entrants will receive an email outlining next step, which includes information on other organisations that can assist with future plans, as well as details on other competitions they may be eligible to enter.

Take part in our Make it Happen Day

All entrants are encouraged to attend CREATE’s ‘Make it Happen’ day—a one-day, face-to-face, informative workshop designed to help you advance your business idea. This event features a lineup of expert speakers who will share insights and strategies for moving your concept forward. Highlights for this year’s workshop include:

• Sandie Gordon, founder of Candles from the Croft: A young entrepreneur who will share her journey into self-employment, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities along the way.
• David Massey from The Apprentice Store: Who will discuss the social impact that small businesses can have on both people and the planet. As a past participant in our fully funded Catalyst Programme, David will also explain why joining the programme could be beneficial for you.
• Rene Looper from Tuminds: Who will provide expert advice on how to leverage social media to attract and engage customers.
• Andy Glasgow from the Royal Bank of Scotland: Who will outline the various benefits businesses banking can offer.
• Martin Bannerman from Johnston Carmichael Accountants: Who will discuss the best business structures and cover essential information on accounting and taxes.

In addition to the speaker sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to network, participate in hands-on activities, and develop an action plan to grow or launch their business.

This year’s ‘Make it Happen’ day will take place on Wednesday 30 October at the Life Science and Innovation Centre on Inverness Campus.

Take part in our Catalyst Programme

Entrants are also invited to apply for a fully-funded place, on our online Catalyst Programme, which provides tailored training specifically for small businesses and sole traders. Designed by rural business owners for rural business owners, Catalyst addresses key needs and offers:

• Development of entrepreneurial skills
• Enhanced leadership practices to boost business productivity
• Proven methods to analyse, develop, and test ideas for business growth
• Practical growth strategies that have been successfully implemented by local entrepreneurs
• Engaging, focused content designed to deliver actionable insights

For more information on the Catalyst Programme and how to apply, visit CREATE Highland - Catalyst.

UHI Business Competition terms and conditions

To qualify for entry, applicants must:

1. Either be aged 16 years or over and live in Argyll and Bute, Highlands and Islands, Moray, or Perthshire and/or an enrolled student at the University of the Highlands and Islands or any of its academic partners.
2. Not be actively trading/registered with HMRC prior to 26 February 2024.
3. Submit a completed entry form by midday on Thursday 26 February 2025.
4. Ensure that if you are a current or contracted member of staff of UHI or any of its academic partners, you can enter where the business idea is independent to your current post and/or area of research.
5. Be available to come and discuss your idea and attend a prizegiving at UHI House on Wednesday 26 March 2025. 
6. Accept that the competition organisers and judges’ decisions are final.
7. Confirm the idea submitted is your own intellectual property.

Our panel of experts and the competition organisers have signed a confidentiality agreement.

Disclaimer

Entrants are solely responsible for taking all necessary precautions to protect their Intellectual Property (IP). If you have any questions or concerns regarding IP protection, please contact the competition administrators prior to submitting your entry.

Contact information for advice, including accessibility

If you have any queries about the online form or would like it provided in another format please email roslyn.thomas.ic@uhi.ac.uk to discuss your requirements.

If you are invited to meet the judges in Inverness please advise us of any accessibility requirements.