The Peter Jones Foundation and FRP launch the 2026 National Entrepreneur of the Year Competition
The Peter Jones Foundation (PJF) and specialist business advisory firm FRP are once again partnering to run the National Entrepreneur of the Year competition, building on the success of last year’s contest.
PJF launched the programme to champion young emerging entrepreneurial talent across the UK, with a focus on supporting those from under-served and under-represented communities.
The competition is open to all entrepreneurs aged 16 to 21, and FRP will once again host the semi-finals across the UK. With FRP’s support, PJF will also provide candidates the opportunity to attend enterprise bootcamps to develop their businesses and hone their pitching skills.
This year’s contest will build on the success of last year’s collaboration, which saw hundreds of young people from across the country take part and £21,000 worth of grants awarded. Liam Harte emerged as the winner with his innovative virtual reality therapy platform, Rephobia.
To apply, candidates are required to complete an application form and submit an elevator pitch video outlining their business. Successful applicants will progress to one of the six semi-finals, where they will present to a high-profile judging panel. Each semi-finalist winner will receive a £1,000 grant and progress to the final, delivering their pitch to a panel chaired by Peter Jones CBE and Geoff Rowley, CEO of FRP.
The overall winner will then be announced at the Foundation’s annual awards ceremony and will receive a £10,000 grant, with the runner-up awarded £5,000. All finalists will also benefit from continued support through expert mentorship.
The Foundation has supported a number of successful entrepreneurs through its National Entrepreneur of the Year competition. This includes Ross Bailey, founder of AppearHere which has gone on to raise over $20million in venture capital funding; David Humpston, founder of ViewPoint Videos and one of the youngest people ever to receive a Virgin StartUp loan; and Miah Maddock-Hodgins, founder of MCR Education Hub - a groundbreaking inclusive education platform that supports young people who face barriers to mainstream schooling, such as SEND learners and those in elective home education.
Peter Jones CBE, Chairman of Peter Jones Foundation said:
“I’m excited to see the talented entrepreneurs who will emerge from this year’s competition. I can’t wait to hear the pitches and wish all the participants the very best.”
Geoff Rowley, CEO of FRP, added:
“This competition is about empowering a wide range of young people to really take their entrepreneurship up a level as these are the people who will be our future innovators, business leaders and job creators. Last year we saw an exciting level of talent amongst the participants, and I’m looking forward to seeing who steps forward to enter this year’s competition.”
This year marked the first time the competition, which aims to unlock opportunities for young entrepreneurs from underserved and under-represented backgrounds, was open to all entrants aged 16 – 21 including the Peter Jones Enterprise Academies. Liam was one of six young entrepreneurs that each won regional heats and £1,000 business grants to secure a place in the final. Finalists also received support and mentoring from last year’s winner, Miah Maddock-Hodgins.
If you are an entrepreneur between the ages of 16 and 21 who is interested in applying for the competition, click HERE and submit your entry by Friday 15th May 2026.