How is this award different from previous years?
What sets this award apart is that it sets out to recognise creative entrepreneurs – the people behind the process, with the enterprise that must go hand in hand with creativity to make a living from it: to both promote high quality creative practice and its importance on their national agenda. There are many awards that honour creativity and artistic talent – we aim to honour the individual who transforms creativity into a successful business venture while being innovative and showing leadership.
One of the key objectives of this programme is to sensitise the UK creative sector to the opportunities that come from working with other creative entrepreneurs in emerging economies. A second objective is to better understand the dynamics of being an entrepreneur in the creative economy. Throughout the programme we seek opportunities to achieve both this sensitisation and understanding.
For seven years we have run the award in different sector specific areas. From 2012, we have decided to limit to specific themes that have greater resonance with the contemporary contexts, both locally in India as well as in the UK. The sharper focus on specific areas will mean that we can service the YCE network better and find relevant opportunities for them as well as highlight areas that are seeing maximum innovation and eliciting the maximum interest.
Can I reapply if I have previously joined the competition?
Yes. We especially encourage you to reapply if you didn’t make it into the final round or didn’t win the national competition previously. You will however need to update your previous application to be relevant to our thematic focus and to reflect your current professional development.
How do you select the winner?
The winner is selected through the following process:
- Applications are sorted based on whether they have passed the administrative prerequisites regarding age, years in business, and type of business as stated in their registration.
- A panel will shortlist five finalists based on the applications received in each award. Short-listing will be done based on the qualities and vision of the candidate to be a potential leader in their creative sector, with an entrepreneurial drive that is tied to a strong creative ability. You should also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the potential of your enterprise to work with the UK.
- An independent jury nominated from within India’s creative industry will select the winner based on an interview to assess the creative and business vision of the enterprise.
Is the age criterion flexible?
No. Applicants will have to be strictly between 21 to 40 years.
Is the award open to Indian nationals based outside India?
Yes. As long as they can justify their contribution to India’s creative sector.
Do I need to be a designer/artist/musican?
We recognise that a participant may strongly influence the business of creative practice without being a practising designer/ artist/ musician. Our aim is to promote entrepreneurship and hence we encourage entrepreneurs rather than practitioners to apply.
I have business ideas but I am not an entrepreneur. Can I apply?
No. This award is specifically for businesses that have been in existence at least for 2-3 years.
Do I need to send samples of my work?
Not essential unless it strengthens your case as an entrepreneur however a portfolio showcasing your work would be appreciated.
I am a teacher in the creative sector. Can I apply?
Applicants who are primarily academics are unlikely to be short-listed.
My company has other partners/co founders. Can we apply jointly?
No. You may select one representative to apply on your organisation’s behalf.
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