Flare FAQs

The Flare competition gives you the opportunity to:

• win cash prizes to kick start your business or innovative idea
• test your idea in a safe and constructive environment
• write a business plan or proposal with expert support
• gain access to training workshops and one-to-one mentoring sessions

• full or part-time students of the University of Hertfordshire
• alumni of the University of Hertfordshire in the last three years

You do not need to have studied any business-related degree or have previous experience in running a business or working as a freelancer to enter the competition.

All you need to enter Flare is a business or innovative idea – whether it's a product or a service – or have an existing business which was launched in the last four years.

Your idea can be from any size, involve any discipline or be in any sector whether its fashion, IT, fine arts, sports or food.

No. You can enter Flare as:

• an individual
• a team (of up to five people) – this can include students and/or alumni or non-University of Hertfordshire members.
• please note that if working as a team, 50% of that team must either be studying at or have graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in the last four years

Yes. The aim of Flare is to encourage individuals/groups to create and develop their idea. You do not have to have a fully-fledged business to enter. The competition gives you full support on how to develop your idea. You can then decide if you want to take it further. Lack of prior experience of running a business is not a disadvantage.

No. Although the business canvas is a major part of the competition, support will be given during the competition to help you write it. For information on workshop topics go to Handshake or email enterprise@herts.ac.uk

A canvas is usually a one-page overview of your business or business idea. You will be given a template to use and guidance will be available.

We take all steps possible to protect the confidentiality of your ideas. This includes a non-disclosure agreement signed by anyone who has access to the Flare ideas and business plans.

All entrants can access a range of enterprise initiatives, such as:

• expert advice in our workshops and one-to-one sessions (subject to availability)
• Access to all business start-up bootcamps

For information on workshop topics go to Handshake or email enterprise@herts.ac.uk.

The Flare competition entrants compete to win cash prizes of up to £3,500 plus help and support to bring your idea into reality.

The Flare prizes are kindly supported by our competition sponsors.

All entrants will be offered a chance to submit a business model canvas of their idea or business. Canvases will be double marked, with results being announced on 3 May.

Finalists will be invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and will be invited to an awards event, where the competition winners will be announced.