{"id":20249,"date":"2026-01-07T16:03:28","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T16:03:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/?post_type=ht_kb&#038;p=20249"},"modified":"2026-01-07T16:03:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T16:03:31","slug":"do-your-thing-your-idea-your-way-competition-terms-and-conditions","status":"publish","type":"ht_kb","link":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/knowledge-base\/do-your-thing-your-idea-your-way-competition-terms-and-conditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Do your thing! Your idea, your way &#8211; competition terms and conditions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">1. Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1.1<\/strong> The \u201cDo Your Thing! Your Idea, Your Way\u201d competition forms part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme supporting entrepreneurship and economic growth in Gloucester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1.2<\/strong> The Competition is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and administered by Gloucester City Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1.3<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1.4<\/strong> These Terms and Conditions apply to all applicants and Award Recipients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">2. Eligibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2.1<\/strong> Applicants must be aged 18\u201330 on the date of application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2.2<\/strong> Applicants must live, work, or study in Gloucester, or show a clear intention to establish their business in Gloucester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2.3<\/strong> Applications may be submitted for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">A new business idea, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">An early-stage business or side venture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2.4<\/strong> Group\/team applications are allowed. The lead applicant must meet all eligibility criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2.5<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">3. Application process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Applications must be submitted using the official online form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3.2<\/strong> Applications must be submitted by <strong>23:59 on 30 January 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3.3<\/strong> Only one application per person or venture is permitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3.4<\/strong> Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3.5<\/strong> The Organisers may request clarification or supporting information at any stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3.6 Early closure of applications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Organisers may close applications early if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Application numbers exceed programme capacity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Operational, technical, or funding issues arise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Any other circumstance makes early closure necessary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">4. Judging and selection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4.1<\/strong> Awards are limited; competition is highly competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4.2<\/strong> Applications will be judged on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Strength, clarity, and innovation of the idea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Feasibility and growth potential<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Identification of challenges\/opportunities\/business needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Quality of preparation and proposed fund use<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Potential economic and community benefit to the city of Gloucester<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4.3<\/strong> Shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit additional materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4.4<\/strong> Judging panel members may include representatives from Gloucester City Council, the University of Gloucestershire, and external business specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4.5<\/strong> All decisions are final and not open to appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">5. Award funding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5.1<\/strong> Successful applicants (\u201cAward Recipients\u201d) may receive up to <strong>\u00a32,000<\/strong>, paid upfront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5.2<\/strong> Funding is provided through UKSPF and distributed by Gloucester City Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5.3<\/strong> To receive funding, recipients must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Sign a Funding Agreement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Provide accurate bank details<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Agree to monitoring and evidence requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5.4<\/strong> Funding must only be used for business development as described in the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5.5<\/strong> Funds may be withheld or recovered if spending does not align with the approved use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">6. Award release conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6.1<\/strong> Award funding will only be released once the Award Recipient has met the minimum activation requirements set out in this section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6.2<\/strong> If the applicant\u2019s business is <em>already registered<\/em> (with Companies House or HMRC), the Award may be released once the Funding Agreement has been signed and bank details have been provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6.3<\/strong> If the applicant\u2019s business is <em>not yet registered<\/em>, the Recipient must register the business no later than 31 March 2026. Registration may be as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">a limited company (Companies House), or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">a sole trader (HMRC).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6.4<\/strong> Award Recipients must provide evidence of business registration before 31 March 2026. Failure to do so may result in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Withdrawal of the Award, and\/or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Repayment of any money already paid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6.5<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6.6<\/strong> The Organisers reserve the right to assess whether the business activity benefits Gloucester and aligns with UKSPF requirements before releasing funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">7. Evidence and monitoring requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7.1<\/strong> Within 8 weeks of receiving the Award, recipients must submit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Receipts\/invoices for all funded items<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">A short expenditure summary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">A brief Impact Statement outlining how the Award supported their business<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7.2<\/strong> The University of Gloucestershire may conduct monitoring checks or request follow-up information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7.3<\/strong> Significant changes to the intended spend must be approved in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7.4<\/strong> Recipients may be required to attend mentoring sessions or networking events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">8. Ineligible expenditure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Funding cannot be used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Purchase\/lease of motor vehicles or fuel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Alcohol, entertainment, hospitality, or gifts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Political activity or campaigning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Fines, legal disputes, litigation costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Debt repayment, interest, overdraft charges, dividends<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Compensation, redundancy, pension contributions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Personal living costs (rent, utilities, food)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Donations or charitable contributions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Business closure, sale, or restructuring costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Spending not directly related to business development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Organisers and Gloucester City Council may deem additional items ineligible under UKSPF rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">9. Compliance, withdrawal &amp; repayment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9.1<\/strong> Recipients must comply with all UKSPF requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9.2<\/strong> Awards may be withdrawn or reclaimed if recipients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Provide false or incomplete information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Fail to supply required evidence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Spend on ineligible items<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Do not participate in monitoring\/support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Breach these Terms and Conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9.3<\/strong> Recipients may withdraw by notifying the Organisers in writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">10. Publicity and media<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>10.1<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>10.2<\/strong> Recipients may be invited to take part in promotional events, case studies, or media features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">11. Data protection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>11.1<\/strong> Personal data will be processed in accordance with UK GDPR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>11.2<\/strong> Data will be used for administering the Competition, providing support, and fulfilling UKSPF reporting duties.<strong>11.3<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"heading wp-block-heading\">12. Amendments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>12.1<\/strong> The Organisers reserve the right to amend these Terms and Conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>12.2<\/strong> Applicants or Award Recipients will be informed of any substantial amendments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1. Introduction 1.1 The \u201cDo Your Thing! Your Idea, Your Way\u201d 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","footnotes":""},"schools":[],"campuses":[],"subject_area":[],"ht-kb-category":[221],"ht-kb-tag":[],"class_list":["post-20249","ht_kb","type-ht_kb","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","ht_kb_category-business-and-partnerships"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/20249","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/ht_kb"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20249"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/20249\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20250,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb\/20249\/revisions\/20250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20249"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"schools","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/schools?post=20249"},{"taxonomy":"campuses","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/campuses?post=20249"},{"taxonomy":"subject_area","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/subject_area?post=20249"},{"taxonomy":"ht_kb_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb-category?post=20249"},{"taxonomy":"ht_kb_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.glos.ac.uk\/information\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ht-kb-tag?post=20249"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}