The Westminster Big Idea Competition is the University’s annual University-wide student and graduate business idea and innovation competition, in partnership with Santander Universities UK.
The competition encourages and supports applicants to develop their entrepreneurial skills and to build and grow their businesses. Participants will get access to workshops and mentoring to support their growth, and finalists can get a share of a £50,000 funding pot.
Entry categories and prize funding
| Category | Learning outcomes | Prize funding |
|---|---|---|
Freelance | Showcase your portfolio Learn to present your work, earn more as a freelancer, and grow your network. |
|
Ideate | Present a viable business idea Learn how to build a viable business model, test your concept effectively, and enhance your presentation skills to attract supporters. |
|
Accelerate | Scale up your existing business Advance your existing business or MVP (Minimum Viable Product), craft a compelling pitch for funding, and develop a plan for long-term financial sustainability. |
|
| . | Total funding available: £50,000 |
What you will get from the experience
Freelance
- develop your ability to pitch your work and skills to clients, collaborators and advisors
- learn how to generate more revenue as a paid professional freelancer
- grow your network and build your personal brand
Ideate
- learn how to build a business model for new business ideas
- develop a strategy to test your concept and communicate it
- refine your presentation skills to engage potential supporters and attract initial interest
Accelerate
- grow your existing business or Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- deliver a compelling pitch to attract funding
- plan to make your business financially sustainable
Key dates
- Increase your odds of success by attending our programmes and events
- 23 January 2024: applications open
- January-March 2024: attend the online information sessions for guidance on the competition and application process (optional)
- 28 March 2024: applications close at 5pm
- 15-16 April 2024: Big Idea Bootcamps
- April-May 2024: 1:1 sessions with an expert
- 6 June 2024: Semi-Final - Book your place to attend the Semi-Final
- Summer 2024: Mentoring for selected finalists
- October 2024: Grand Final
How to apply
For full guidance on how to apply, please read the competition handbook:
To apply, you'll need to do the following:
- complete an application form
- submit a one-minute video
- complete a Santander X Application, if you are applying for the Ideate or Accelerate categories
Photographs from previous competitions
Feedback from previous participants
"I am really glad that I applied for the Big Idea competition, it was a great opportunity not only for my business idea but for my own personal development. My confidence has grown greatly over the programme as I developed my networking, public speaking and entrepreneurial skills. It changed my university experience, allowing me to interact with a variety of students in other courses and levels of study that I wouldn't normally meet. I started with zero expectations of where my idea could go and kept my mind open to learning as much as I could from the talks and my peers, I was inspired by what I learned and kept refining my idea with the feedback and support I received."
- Grace Tayo, Founder of Tayo Knit
"Being a part of the Big idea competition has been a great learning experience, allowing me to refine my freelance ‘brand’ and authentically present my ethos in the work projects I undertake, finding the nuances of what makes my individual service stand out. More than this, I have been able to grow in confidence through developing professionalism and skills in public speaking, specifically in pitching. In meeting so many interesting people over the last 6 months, I have also grown my network of peers which has led to meaningful working relationships organically forming outside of university."
- Elijah McDonnell, Freelance Filmmaker and Photographer