£150,000 available to support North-West entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds

Emerging entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds in the North West of England have the opportunity to secure £150,000 in funding, advertising and resource support through the Havas Boost programme, launched by Havas Media Network UK.

This initiative aims to empower business owners outside London by providing vital financial and strategic support to those who demonstrate a purpose beyond profit.

The program invites ten applicants to pitch their business ideas at a Dragons’ Den-style event during Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 18-25). To qualify, applicants must be from less privileged backgrounds and have had an existing business for 2-3 years that demonstrates a commitment to social impact alongside commercial success.

Following a pitch event in Manchester, a panel of local entrepreneurial talent will shortlist four candidates, from which the Havas Boost Board will select the ultimate winner. The decision to host the programme in Manchester was driven by insights from a YouGov survey Business ScanA recent British study found that 40% of disadvantaged people under the age of 35 in the North West of England feel there are limited opportunities to start a business, compared to just 19% in London.

The Havas Boost 2024 programme is supported by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and the Media Trust, and awareness will be raised through a dedicated advertising campaign across Manchester.

For more information and to apply, visit Havas Post.


Jimmy Young

Jamie is an experienced business journalist and senior correspondent at Business Matters, with over a decade of experience reporting on SMEs in the UK. Jamie has a degree in Business Administration and regularly attends industry conferences and workshops to stay at the forefront of emerging trends. When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring journalists and budding entrepreneurs and sharing his wealth of knowledge to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

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