Some ideas are too good not to share. Some ideas are too good not to support. In this spirit, some of Britain’s most exciting early stage businesses and charities have each won £50,000-worth of backing to change the lives of young people across the country. Big Issue Invest – the investment arm of The Big Issue – has unveiled the 11 winners of a digital technology challenge.
Unlike Dragons’ Den, the Tech for Good Challenge provided an intensive mentoring programme for all the shortlisted businesses taking part in the competition. Following a Caterpillars’ Cocoon – a two-day workshop and pitching process – 11 of the fledgling tech ventures working with young people were judged ready to make use of the £50,000 boost.
“There are a lot of good people out there using technology in exciting new ways with the potential to achieve truly great things,” explains Nigel Kershaw OBE, Chief Executive of Big Issue Invest. “The challenge was to find those with a true passion for innovation. Unlike Dragons’ Den, all the teams and mentors were winners, benefitting from a true exchange of ideas.”
Flip Yourself
With so many young people struggling to catch the attention of employers, Flip Yourself want to help more of them compete on a level playing field. The team are helping school leavers create “media rich and visual” CVs to better showcase their potential and personality. Flip Yourself will be using the £50k investment to reach out and engage more young people in schools and youth organisations. flipyourself.co.uk
Selfless
We all want to be useful and make best use of our time. Selfless is an online platform that enables young adults to pick out and participate in volunteering relevant to their career aspirations. The team want to make opportunities more accessible and flexible while providing the voluntary sector with access to skilled, committed young adults. Selfless will use the investment cash to drive up the number of organisations involved. selfless.org.uk
Fresh Young Media
This new media company is targeting budding entrepreneurs aged between 16 and 20 to develop a top business magazine for young people (Fresh Young Millionaire) in collaboration with experienced media mentors. The magazine produces genuine opportunities and training for young people, and the £50k investment will allow the team to create an interactive community website and mobile app. freshyoungmillionaire.com/fresh-young-media