The Peter Jones Foundation and FRP present the 2026 National Entrepreneur of the Year competition
The Peter Jones Foundation (PJF) has once again teamed up with consultancy firm FRP to launch the National Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 competition, which aims to discover and support the next generation of UK business talent.
This program, which follows the successful 2025 program, is designed to encourage young entrepreneurs between the ages of 16 and 21, with particular emphasis on those from underserved and underrepresented communities. Organizers say the competition is not only about identifying promising ideas, but equipping new founders with the practical skills, confidence and networks needed to grow their businesses.
Applicants will be required to submit an application alongside an elevator pitch video explaining their business concept. Winners will go through to six regional semi-finals hosted by FRP across the UK, where they will present their ideas to a panel of judges drawn from business people.
In addition to the competitive aspect, participants will have access to business bootcamps delivered by PJF, which provide hands-on support in refining business models, developing pitching strategies and developing commercial awareness, which differentiates them from many traditional competitions.
Each semi-finalist will receive a grant of £1,000 and secure a place in the national final, where the finalists will be judged by a high-profile judging panel led by Peter Jones CBE and Geoff Rowley, chief executive of the FRP. The overall winner will receive a grant of £10,000, the runner-up will be awarded £5,000, and all finalists will benefit from ongoing training and support.
The program has built a strong track record of developing emerging business talent. Previous participants include Ross Bailey, founder of Appear Here, which has gone on to raise more than $20 million in venture capital, and David Humpston of ViewPoint Videos, one of the youngest recipients of a Virgin StartUp loan. More recently, Miah Maddock-Hodgins, founder of the MCR Education Hub, has used the platform to grow an inclusive education business that supports young people outside of mainstream education.
Last year’s competition attracted hundreds of entrants from across the UK, with £21,000 in grants awarded. The 2025 title was won by Liam Harte of Rephobia, a virtual reality therapy platform designed to support people dealing with phobias, an example organizers say shows the growing strength and social impact of youth-led businesses.
Peter Jones said he was looking forward to seeing the level of talent from this year’s intake, and said the competition continues to highlight the ambitions and creativity of small businessmen across the country. Geoff Rowley added that the program plays an important role in helping young people “to grow their businesses”, describing the participants as future innovators and job creators in the UK economy.
The relaunch comes at a time when developing business talent is seen as critical to long-term economic growth, especially as younger generations look beyond traditional jobs and build their own businesses.
If you are an entrepreneur between the ages of 16 and 21 interested in applying for the competition, click HERE and submit your entry by Friday 15 May 2026.
