New programme to support young entrepreneurs with a green business idea

A young woman with glasses looking at a laptop.

We are inviting young people with a green business idea or eco-friendly start-up to apply for the Green Entrepreneurs’ Programme. Thirty successful applicants will receive six weeks of exclusive mentoring and the chance to pitch for £5,000 seed funding.

How to apply for the Green Entrepreneurs’ Programme

To apply for the Green Entrepreneurs' Programme, you must:

  • be aged between 18 and 30
  • own or have an idea for a green business
  • live in Essex
  • complete the short application form before Thursday 1 June 2023

Thirty young entrepreneurs will then be shortlisted for a fully funded, six-week programme. Throughout the six weeks applicants will learn about pitching, networking, legalities, funding and more.

During the sixth week, participants will be invited to pitch to a panel of experts and try to secure £5,000 to start or scale-up their green business.

Councillor Lesley Wagland OBE, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, said: “Supporting young innovators is essential for sustainable economic growth. Not only will the Green Entrepreneurs’ Programme enhance the confidence and business acumen of local young entrepreneurs, but it will also support our net zero ambitions and the development of new technology and services to transition to a cleaner, greener Essex.”

Find out more and apply for the Green Entrepreneurs’ Programme.