Dell launches ‘Start-Up In Residence’ competition

Global computing firm Dell today announced the launch of its UK ‘Start-Up In Residence’ award, set to give two businesses with high potential a comprehensive package of growth support.

Announced last month as part of its new UK Centre for Entrepreneurs initiative, applicants have from now until 15 February to submit a brief business plan and short two-minute video to Dell explaining why technology is integral to their business growth and success.

The first and second-place winners will receive a package of support to accelerate growth, including up to two years’ worth of dedicated work space at Dell’s Bracknell Campus, access to ‘essential technology’, and mentoring from senior members at Dell.

The prize also includes a networking element: Dell said winners would have access to ‘key’ in-house customer and networking events.

Winners will also become members of the new Dell UK Entrepreneur Advisory Council, which acts as a steering committee for the UK Centre for Entrepreneurs, as well as gaining membership of the Dell Founder’s Club, which executive director and UK and Ireland general manager of Dell Sarah Shields described as “taking mentorship to a new level.”

Tim Griffin, vice president and managing director of Dell UK, said: “With office space costing upwards of £18K a year alone and most entrepreneurs not making it past the first three years, the ‘Start-up in Residence’ competition has the opportunity to make a genuine impact on the winners’ business.

“We want to help remove the burden of the costly investments a business must make when starting out so that they can focus on growth in the critical early stages of their business.”

Following the initial round of video applications, five shortlisted businesses will be selected by the Advisory Council to pitch in person to a panel of judges including Tim Griffin, Sarah Shields, newly-appointed ‘Entrepreneur-in-Residence’ Ingrid Vanderveldt and an as-yet unnamed UK entrepreneur.

To find out more and apply for the competition visit the Dell entrepreneurs website.