Univeristies are fond are trumpeting their students’ business acheivements and many of them run their own internal awards as part of that recognition. Sometimes you might find that there are regional or national awards as well.

Why enter a competition? Well some come with cash awards which is not to be sniffed at and many come with at least some kind of support in kind through mentoring or advice and guidance. Awards also work in letting customers know that you take your business seriously and they help differentiate you from the competition.

Here’s a rundown of some calls for entries open at the moment:

• Flux 2008
  A national competition for enterprise teams with a prize of £500 to each team member. It’s Dragon’s Den style so preperation is the key. There are regional events happening in late January and February with a grand final in March. Full details on their site but not all regional events are confirmed yet.
• Invest Northern Ireland’s Student Enterprise Awards 2008
  Ideas with the most commercial potential get a share of a €65,000 fund. Entries accepted from students from the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. Closing date 23rd April 2008.
• Sheffield Hallam Enterprise Challenge
  This will launch on 1st February and is open to Hallam students or graduates from the last five years. You can pre-register your interest on the website. Take time to look over the previous winners. Plenty of cash prizes and in0kind support with this one.
• Northumbria University Busines Plan Competition
  Another one open only to students or graduates on the university in question but there’s a £1000 for the winning idea. Closes 15th Feb 2008

This is a very brief snapshot of the kind of competitions out there. I’ll post again as I find more.