Make it Happen Challenge 2019

Worcestershire innovators are preparing to showcase their ideas for this year’s Make It Happen challenge for the opportunity to work with some of the county’s top businesses.

Designed to promote innovative thinking across the county while supporting local businesses, the Make it Happen challenge is a project organised by WINN, a Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire LEP programme.

The ‘Make It Happen’ challenge is targeting Worcestershire’s growing innovation community, offering participants an opportunity to showcase their vision for new and exciting products and services.

This year not just one but two prizes are to be won in either the Health & Care or Science & Technology sector. Each of the two winning applications will receive business support funding of £5,000 and access to a bespoke support package worth £11,000, providing the perfect platform to develop their ideas and bring them to the market with the help of professional advice and assistance.

Advertisement

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Skills said: “It’s really exciting to see the return of the WINN Make It Happen Challenge after it being postponed during 2020. Following an incredibly difficult 14 months, this is a great opportunity for local innovators and entrepreneurs to get their game-changing ideas off the ground, as well as access some truly brilliant business support.

It’s also excellent to see the opportunity open to two key sectors (Science & Technology and Health & Care) that have been so crucial during the pandemic. I wish all the entrants the best of luck and look forward to seeing the winners.”

Councillor Karen May, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Wellbeing, said: “To see the Health & Care sector be included in the WINN Make It Happen Challenge is truly inspiring. Throughout the pandemic, this sector has become more important than ever and it’s crucial we recognise those that are continuing to produce new ideas, technologies, and approaches. Good luck to all of the entrants who showcase their ideas for this amazing challenge.”

Applicants are invited to submit their proposals from 9th June, with the deadline for submissions being 4th August 2021.

Former winner of the Make it Happen challenge, Imogen Mornement, will be sharing her journey as the youngest ‘Make it Happen’ winner. Imogen’s innovative ‘Penny & a Pearl’ project was the challenge’s winner back in 2019, a DIY lingerie sewing kit, that provides individuals the ability to create their own handmade garments.

Imogen said: “As a single business owner, I was doing everything by myself. After winning the Make it Happen challenge, it allowed me to have the ability to grow each individual aspect of the business rather than on my own, which has been fantastic.

I thought it was an amazing opportunity and one of the main reasons I entered was that I felt the Make it Happen challenge would be able to take my idea to the next level, which it did.”

Applicants are encouraged to enter the Make it Happen challenge by visiting WINN-Hub’s website to fill out an application form, showcasing their WINNING idea.

WINN brings innovators together, acting as a catalyst to create connections and collaborations across the diverse business landscape of Worcestershire.

Advertisement