£20,000 investment available as BIG Ideas Bonanza round 2 launched

£20,000 worth of investment offerered for 'big ideas' that could become sustainable ventures.

The University of Northampton and The Young Foundation are offering up to £20,000 worth of investment to Northamptonshire residents, third sector organisations and public sector workers who have 'big ideas' which they could turn into sustainable ventures.

Following the highly successful first round of £64,000 investment from the BIG Ideas Bonanza in 2011, the organisations have launched BIG 2, an open call to anyone who has a good idea to address an unmet social need.

The Bonanza is open to anyone who thinks they have a great idea that will address a social inequality and contribute to a healthier and more prosperous community.  Third sector organisations based in the county, including voluntary groups and charities of any size, are also being welcomed to apply.

The Young Foundation and The University of Northampton are particularly looking for ideas which contribute to:-

• preventing or reducing offending
• improving the employability of unemployed individuals, with an emphasis on job creation
• improving the health and wellbeing of residents in the county.

 The closing date for entries is 30 March 2012.

Wray Irwin, Social Entrepreneur in Residence at The University of Northampton said:

The first Big Ideas Bonanza produced a range of really exciting and innovative ideas, many of which have been supported and continue to develop. The Young Foundation and The University of Northampton are really excited to build up on this success and provide individuals or teams the chance to showcase their ideas or new ways of working that will improve the health and well being of communities across Northamptonshire.

Wray Irwin

Ideas don't have to be new, but they have to be bold, and the most promising ideas will pitch to an investment panel, where the applicant that demonstrates the enthusiasm and commitment to grow a scalable and sustainable venture will receive up to £20,000 of initial investment. This includes a bespoke package of business support from the Young Foundation and start up funding to help get the idea off the ground.

Wray Irwin

For more information and an application form go to http://www.northampton.ac.uk/info/200340/current-initiatives/1444/current-initiatives/5 or contact Wray by email wray.irwin@youngfoundation.org , or telephone him on 07940 254679.