EPIC Futures, a Midlands-based charity that supports disadvantaged entrepreneurs, is delighted to announce the launch of the EPIC Awards. Nominations are now open for the awards to celebrate and recognise the achievements of young entrepreneurs and consists of ten categories including Social Justice Warrior, Female Founder, Mental Health Champion and Digital Disruptor. In addition, a range of sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses which are looking to support community initiatives and raise their profile.

EPIC, part of the Martin James Foundation, supports disadvantaged young entrepreneurs (16-25 years old) who have experienced significant adversity and/or the care of a local authority, to launch their own businesses and develop their entrepreneurial skillsets.

Through a structured agenda, EPIC provides many resources for candidates, including grant support to cover business start up costs; access to entrepreneurs, business mentoring, pastoral mentoring and coaching; specialist technical workshops and masterclass; and access to partnerships with other local organisations to enhance business networks and opportunities. To date, EPIC has helped launch nine businesses and have transformed or elevated several more since the programme began in 2020.

This year, the EPIC team is introducing the Awards as a way of celebrating the achievements of all young entrepreneurs in the West Midlands area and across the UK, and is a fantastic opportunity for businesses and young entrepreneurs to network and develop meaningful connections. The criteria for entry will be that the nominee must already be established and have been operating for at least six months.

Programme Director, Calum Sawford, said: “The EPIC Awards 2022 is hugely exciting because it’s about young people, their fearlessness and disruption. The EPIC programme is designed and equipped to support young entrepreneurs to become empowered on their journey, but it’s the passion and drive of each individual entrepreneur that is the heart of EPIC.

Being bold enough to take the first step towards creating your own business is something most adults never consider in a lifetime, so recognising and celebrating the courage and tenacity of young entrepreneurs who’ve taken their business from conception into reality is hugely important. The Awards will also provide a platform for young entrepreneurs to promote their businesses and strengthen their networks, connecting with other young entrepreneurs and with business leaders across a variety of professions and industries on their terms.
Oh, and we are also looking forward to being treated to a specially crafted menu from Holy Moly Macaroni, our community-inspired restaurant based in Harborne at the awards ceremony in September.”

Nominations are open now until the end of May. The Awards will take place on 15th September at the BGF Offices in Church Street, Birmingham. All proceeds from the Awards will be used directly to deliver the EPIC programme into 2023 and beyond. For more information on sponsorship and nominations, please visit: https://epicfuture.co.uk/awards/