The University of South Wales is encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs in Wales and from across the rest of the UK to show how they’re ‘making business happen’ to be in with a chance of winning a support package worth up to £12,500 to invest in their business or business idea.

Sponsored by NatWest and supported by business advice website freshbusinessthinking.com, the Making Business Happen Awards, which were launched at the City Centre Campus, Newport, of the university, are open to start-up businesses as well as more established SME operations.

A separate Aspiring Entrepreneurs Award will also recognise students from schools and colleges across the UK who can demonstrate their commitment to researching and developing an effective or innovative business idea.

A panel of judges, including leading University of South Wales academics and experts from the fields of finance, marketing and business support, will assess the award entries and top student entrants will also participate in a pitch process where the judges will scrutinise their business ideas and proposals.

Shortlists for the four award categories will be drawn up early next year, with the winners announced at a celebration event on April 16, 2015, to be held in Cardiff.

At the event, the university will also name a Making Business Happen Champion – an alumnus and successful individual in the business world, who has shown significant leadership and entrepreneurial skills that have proved an inspiration to others.

Speaking at the launch of the awards, official ambassador and founder of job seekers website Careercake.com, Aimee Bateman, said: "Studying at USW helped me develop many of the different skills and qualities required to become a successful entrepreneur.

"The Making Business Happen Awards aims to highlight the next generation of entrepreneurs and to celebrate great examples of business innovation and creativity across the UK.

“The awards will recognise thorough research and sound planning; inspiring leadership and effective teamwork, as well as the hard work and determination needed to turn these ingredients into a successful business.”

In addition to receiving a cash investment, award winners will also benefit from mentoring and business support packages provided by professional advisers, including award partners NatWest, Awbrey Management, Indycube and the University of South Wales.

Kevin Morgan, NatWest regional director of business banking, said: “NatWest is delighted to support the Making Business Happen Awards because we want to work with organisations which share our aims."

To find out more, view the official launch video and to register an entry, visit www.uswbusinessawards.co.uk. Entries close on December 12, 2014.