Source: www.glos.ac.uk. All Rights Reserved. 2026 University of Gloucestershire
Last updated: 7 January 2026
1.1 The “Do Your Thing! Your Idea, Your Way” competition forms part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme supporting entrepreneurship and economic growth in Gloucester.
1.2 The Competition is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and administered by Gloucester City Council.
1.3 Programme delivery, assessment, mentoring, and support are provided by the University of Gloucestershire in partnership with Start and Grow Enterprise, The Music Works, and Chispa.
1.4 These Terms and Conditions apply to all applicants and Award Recipients.
2.1 Applicants must be aged 18–30 on the date of application.
2.2 Applicants must live, work, or study in Gloucester, or show a clear intention to establish their business in Gloucester.
2.3 Applications may be submitted for:
2.4 Group/team applications are allowed. The lead applicant must meet all eligibility criteria.
2.5 Employees, contractors, board members, and immediate families of Gloucester City Council, the University of Gloucestershire, Start and Grow Enterprise, or delivery partners are not eligible.
Applications must be submitted using the official online form.
3.2 Applications must be submitted by 23:59 on 30 January 2026.
3.3 Only one application per person or venture is permitted.
3.4 Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
3.5 The Organisers may request clarification or supporting information at any stage.
3.6 Early closure of applications
The Organisers may close applications early if:
4.1 Awards are limited; competition is highly competitive.
4.2 Applications will be judged on:
4.3 Shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit additional materials.
4.4 Judging panel members may include representatives from Gloucester City Council, the University of Gloucestershire, and external business specialists.
4.5 All decisions are final and not open to appeal.
5.1 Successful applicants (“Award Recipients”) may receive up to £2,000, paid upfront.
5.2 Funding is provided through UKSPF and distributed by Gloucester City Council.
5.3 To receive funding, recipients must:
5.4 Funding must only be used for business development as described in the application.
5.5 Funds may be withheld or recovered if spending does not align with the approved use.
6.1 Award funding will only be released once the Award Recipient has met the minimum activation requirements set out in this section.
6.2 If the applicant’s business is already registered (with Companies House or HMRC), the Award may be released once the Funding Agreement has been signed and bank details have been provided.
6.3 If the applicant’s business is not yet registered, the Recipient must register the business no later than 31 March 2026. Registration may be as:
6.4 Award Recipients must provide evidence of business registration before 31 March 2026. Failure to do so may result in:
6.5 If the business is registered after the Award is paid but is not registered to a Gloucester address, or if the business is subsequently moved outside Gloucester during the delivery period, the Organisers reserve the right to withhold future support or require repayment of the Award.
6.6 The Organisers reserve the right to assess whether the business activity benefits Gloucester and aligns with UKSPF requirements before releasing funds.
7.1 Within 8 weeks of receiving the Award, recipients must submit:
7.2 The University of Gloucestershire may conduct monitoring checks or request follow-up information.
7.3 Significant changes to the intended spend must be approved in advance.
7.4 Recipients may be required to attend mentoring sessions or networking events.
Funding cannot be used for:
The Organisers and Gloucester City Council may deem additional items ineligible under UKSPF rules.
9.1 Recipients must comply with all UKSPF requirements.
9.2 Awards may be withdrawn or reclaimed if recipients:
9.3 Recipients may withdraw by notifying the Organisers in writing.
10.1 The Organiser and/or Gloucester City Council will provide publicity and media coverage of the competition and the competition winners. It is expected that the winning businesses play a full role in the publicity.
10.2 Recipients may be invited to take part in promotional events, case studies, or media features.
11.1 Personal data will be processed in accordance with UK GDPR.
11.2 Data will be used for administering the Competition, providing support, and fulfilling UKSPF reporting duties.11.3 Data relating to the name of the winner and the nature of the new business proposed will be shared with Gloucester City Council for the purposes of promoting the scheme and in order to comply with UKSPF monitoring requirements.
12.1 The Organisers reserve the right to amend these Terms and Conditions.
12.2 Applicants or Award Recipients will be informed of any substantial amendments.
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