Great businesses don’t always start with big budgets - they start with belief, grit and an idea worth backing.
Backing the next generation of founders
Our Founder, Sir Alec Reed, launched the Reed business in 1960 with just £75. More than 60 years later, Reed is the largest family‑run recruitment company in the world. His journey is just one of many that remind us of what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity.
Every week, inspiring stories of determination, innovation and entrepreneurial drive are shared on James Reed’s podcast ‘all about business’. The message is clear: the UK is full of talented founders ready to build something brilliant.
That’s why we’re giving back
Inspired by Reed’s purpose - improving lives through work - the fund will award at least one young entrepreneur £10,000, alongside expert mentorship, to help scale their business, overcome challenges and accelerate growth. If you’ve already taken the first steps, we want to help you go further.
What you’ll get
£10,000 funding to invest directly into your business
Expert mentorship from experienced business leaders
A national platform to showcase your idea and ambition
Confidence and momentum to take your startup to the next stage
Nearly one million 18-to-24-year-olds are out of employment or training, this is simply not good enough. We need our young people to do meaningful work for their wellbeing and for the wellbeing of the economy. We need to encourage young people to set up shop and start their entrepreneurial journey now.
Chairman and CEO, Reed
Who can apply
You must meet all of the following criteria:
Aged 18–24 at the point of application
A UK resident with the right to work in the UK
An existing business trading for less than two years
At least one paying customer at the time of application
A UK business bank account
Able to meet the full terms outlined in the application pack
Application timeline
Stage one – Initial application
Deadline: 7 July 2026
Submit a short summary of your business.Stage two – Detailed application
August 2026
Shortlisted applicants provide further business details.Final pitch
September–October 2026
Selected finalists will be invited to an in‑person pitch event in London, where the winner(s) will be announced.
How to apply
Register your email below and we’ll send you a link to the application form. We strongly recommend reading the full application pack before applying.
Applications close Tuesday 7 July 2026.