The AXA Startup Angel Competition has been created to support entrepreneurs hoping to realise their business ambitions.
The contest offers a variety of prizes to would-be businesses from across the UK to help them through the next phase of their startup journey.
Worcestershire businesses have 6 opportunities to win in 2025. Two winners will receive the top prize of £25,000 to fund their business idea, alongside mentoring from the AXA Startup Angels and business insurance for a year.
There are also four runners-up prizes featuring over £18,000 of media, mentoring and exposure. Each runner-up will receive a profile on their business in The Standard, mentoring with a member of The Standard team, plus VIP access to SME XPO 2026.
Criteria for applications is as follows:
- Entrepreneurs aged 18 and over from across the UK may apply.
- Business ideas must either not already be registered or be actively trading in the UK or have been actively trading in the UK for fewer than 24 months.
- Businesses must have fewer than 10 employees if actively trading and be an original idea and not a copy of a business that already exists.
Worcestershire businesses are encouraged to register their entries before the deadline on the 6th July 2025.
