Sheffield company offering £250,000 to young people to start their own business

TwinklHive are offering budding entrepreneurs with mission-led, digital business ideas the chance to earn a share of £250,000.

Each succesful applicant aged between 18 and 24 will receive £40,000, and the combination of funding and dedicated support on offer will provide successful applicants with an experience that will help equip them to grow successful and sustainable businesses.

To apply, the young entrepreneurs must have a validated concept for a technology-enabled business and a clear vision.

Set up in 2019, TwinklHive was created by Jonathan Seaton, co-founder and CEO of Twinkl, which he set up with his wife Susie Seaton in their spare bedroom over ten years ago.

The business now operates in 200 countries and regions and has over 790 team members based at its offices in Sheffield and around the world.

Jonathan Seaton said: “We have all been living in unprecedented circumstances due to the pandemic.

"Covid has undoubtedly impacted the job market, and people are looking to find new opportunities and explore new directions as a result.

"For young people who are looking for a new direction or to pursue their business ideas, it can be an exciting yet daunting time. Through the TwinklHive scholarship we endeavor to support those young entrepreneurs looking to take that leap and pursue and grow a business of their own.

“When my wife, Susie and I founded Twinkl, we experienced first hand the difficulties young entrepreneurs face when trying to get a business venture up and running.

"It can be difficult to get investment and having advice from people with experience is invaluable. We’re absolutely delighted to now be in a position to offer support and mentorship to young individuals across the UK.”

Alongside the non-repayable grant, candidates will receive mentorship and support from Jonathan and the current startup founders from within the Hive.

The scholarship is open to people across the UK and the applications are open now.

If you or someone you know would like to apply, please email [email protected] where further information will be provided.

The closing date for applications is Friday, June 11.