Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Sponsored and judged by Colchester Institute (visit website)

The category

We are looking for an entrepreneurial business person, aged between 16 and 30 years, who identifies market opportunities, pushes obstacles to new ideas aside, is prepared to take calculated risks, and achieves success. The entrepreneur will lead and motivate people to exceed goals and targets.

If you fit the criteria above, why not nominate yourself for an award in this category and serve as a role model to other budding entrepreneurs? Or, if you know of such a person, why not submit an entry on their behalf?

What the judges are looking for

Individuals who fit within the age brackets above and are making a success from their business ideas. They will be able to demonstrate their skills in identifying a gap in the market, achievement goals and plans, style and flair, the ability to motivate and enterprise. Entrants should have made and are making a consistent contribution to the business environment in which they work.

Specific questions to answer

  1. Give examples of innovative or creative ideas that have had an impact on your business.
  2. Demonstrate evidence of your calculated risk taking.
  3. Describe the marketing research you have undertaken.
  4. Describe the success of your business.
  5. What are your (business) plans for the next 12 months?
 
Kati Vardon Kati Vardon

About the judge

Kati is the marketing manager at Colchester Institute and has overall responsibility for corporate marketing of this educational establishment across its sites in Essex. Prior to joining the College in 2002, Kati was Marketing Director of a computer software company, a business she jointly set up in the 1980s.

With a BA (Hons) degree in Business Administration with Marketing, and a postgraduate Diploma in Marketing (both completed at Colchester Institute), Kati's background covers design, event management, public relations, promotions and general business management. She has completed photography modules from the BA (Hons) in Art and Design and is working on various photographic projects.

Working at a such a large, vocational College allows Kati to indulge her own passion for learning and in addition to studying business and art, has undertaken IT qualifications, built a brick wall, learnt basic sign language and is currently studying and cooking each Monday evening on the Certificate in Culinary Skills programme.