HSBC: Start-up Stars

• Meet the 2009 judges
• Start-Up Stars Awards 2009 national finalists
• 2009 semi-finalists
• Make your entry count
• Sponsors and partners
• Start-Up Stars national shortlist 2009
• Application form

Please note: applications for the 2009 awards are now closed.

The HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards

What is it all about?

The ninth annual HSBC Start-Up Stars awards are open to start-up businesses all over the UK. It’s our way of supporting and celebrating the initiative and dedication of today’s entrepreneurs.

There are benefits for every entrant and winners will receive a share of the prize fund, free Google advertising and invaluable publicity.

It’s your chance to get the credit and support you deserve:

• £55,000 prize fund
• £11,000 of Google advertising to be won, as well as free consultancy at Google’s UK headquarters
• Invaluable exposure via regional and national media through reaching the final stages
• Free £75 of Google advertising for every entrant*
• Support programme and networking available for every entrant on HSBC’s Business Network

What's new for 2009?

All entrants will be eligible to win the 2009 Start-Up Star Award. The winner will receive a cheque for £25,000, £5,000 of Google advertising and free consultancy at Google’s UK headquarters.

You can also enter other categories, where the winner of each award will win a cheque for £10,000, £2,000 of Google advertising and free consultancy at Google’s UK headquarters. These are:

• Start-Up Star International Award – recognising those companies that have expanded their business into international markets
• Start-Up Star Green Award – recognising those companies that are particularly driven by environmental issues
• Start-Up Star Graduate Award – an award for university students and post-graduates (who have graduated within the last year). Must be a UK business trading for less than 3 years or a business ideas that is due to launch within a year

Businesses reaching the final stages of the awards will receive invaluable exposure through regional and national media. National finalists will be invited to attend the prestigious awards ceremony in London on November 24th.

Why should I enter Start-Up Stars?

A support programme will be available to all entrants through the HSBC Business Network, providing access to inspirational entrepreneurs, leading experts and previous Start-Up Star finalists.

Regular emails will alert you to webcasts and blogs from these individuals, providing top tips and advice on a range of business topics, relevant to start-ups in today’s environment.

The forums and user groups are ideal if you want advice from an even greater network or entrepreneurs, including fellow Start-Up Stars. Plus they provide a great way of raising the profile of your business, and putting you in touch with new suppliers and customers.

HSBC’s Knowledge Centre will support you further with over 500 pages of useful information, advice and interactive tools, including a cashflow calculator and a business planning tool.

And, if you do become the winner of one of the four titles, you will share in a significant prize package to help your business grow and prosper.

What are the entry criteria?

You must be running a business that has been trading for less than three years as of 2nd March 2009 or have a business idea* that you intend to launch within 12 months from 2nd March 2009. (*Only open to university students or post-graduate students who have graduated in the 12 months prior to 2nd March 2009.)

Which category should I enter?

You can enter one or more of the four categories on offer. To remind you again, they are:

Join the network
At HSBC we realise how important it is for start-ups to network with other businesses. That is why we have created the HSBC Business Network where you can share advice and experiences with other start-up companies. You will also be able to talk to past Start-Up Stars finalists who are already members of the network about their experiences. Find out more about the HSBC Business Network here.

*£75 Google AdWords credit available to all entrants that complete the competition registration process and are registered in the UK. Voucher can only be used on Google AdWords accounts less than 14 days old. A £5 account activation fee or equivalent credit deduction may be required depending on your preferred billing options. For terms and conditions please visit www.google.co.uk/adwords-voucherterms.