Guernsey Venture Challenge

The Guernsey Venture Challenge provides eight tech startups the opportunity to take part in a 6-week mentorship-driven accelerator programme, concluding with a final pitch night with £70,000 worth of prize money available.

Launched in 2022 and returning for its second year in 2023, GVC is a tech accelerator programme run by the Digital Greenhouse in partnership with Blenheim Chalcot, as part of the SMART Guernsey programme. The programme aims to support tech entrepreneurship and accelerate businesses.

This year the challenge offers £70,000 of grants to support local startup businesses, comprising of:

£40,000 First Prize

£20,000 Second Prize

£10,000 Third Prize

Applications for the 2023 Guernsey Venture Challenge have now closed.

If you would like to register your interest for Guernsey Venture Challenge 2024 please use the form below.

Looking for support with your startup? We have a range of support programmes and services available here:

Startup Support Programmes

Pitch Night Final

Join us for the programme's final pitch night, where the 2023 shortlisted businesses will compete for one of three prizes that could take their ventures to the next stage. After six weeks on the mentoring programme, and two business masterclasses facilitated by Blenheim Chalcot's Red Team, our eight businesses will present their honed pitches to our panel of judges in what promises to be an exciting event for the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Find out more and book your free tickets here:

Book now

Meet the shortlisted businesses on the 2023 Guernsey Venture Challenge

Guernsey Venture Challenge 2023 shortlist announced

FAQ

Who can apply?

Any Guernsey residents who have early-stage tech-based businesses in Guernsey can apply for the GVC. We are particularly looking for founders with ambition to accelerate the growth of their business and startups that have the ability to scale.

The information below specifies the application criteria for the GVC:

Applicants must be resident in Guernsey.
Applicant’s business must be looking to scale, with growth ambitions for 2023.
Applicant’s business must have raised no more than £150,000 of funding to date.
Applications can be using tech to innovate in any sector.

Applications must be submitted no later than 9th July 2023. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

If you are unsure if your business qualifies for this programme or if this is the right level for the current stage of development, please email info@digitalgreenhouse.gg or call 01481 701010 for further advice.

How do I apply?

Please complete the online application form at the bottom of this webpage. If you have submitted a 'Register my interest' form this will not count towards your application. You will need to fill in a full application on this page from the opening date onwards.

Applications open on the 6th of April 2023 and must be submitted no later than the 9th of July 2023. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

If you are a potential applicant and would like support developing your idea before applying, you can book a business support meeting, please email info@digitalgreenhouse.gg

Assessment Criteria

The applications will be judged against the following criteria:

The business addresses a clear problem / pain point
It provides an innovative or creative solution to the problem
There is a viable business model
Shows potential to use technology scale and grow

Prize Categories

There are three prizes available to be awarded to successful applicants in 2023, as detailed below.

First Prize: £40,000 cash prize
Plus:

6-month business mentorship
6-month hot-desking membership at the Digital Greenhouse Guernsey
2 tickets to the prize-giving at The Véyaon Awards

Second Prize: £20,000 cash prize
Plus:

6-month business mentorship
6-month hot-desking membership at the Digital Greenhouse Guernsey
2 tickets to the prize-giving at The Véyaon Awards

Third Prize: £10,000 cash prize
Plus:

6-month business mentorship
6-month hot-desking membership at the Digital Greenhouse Guernsey
2 tickets to the prize-giving at The Véyaon Awards

Additional Resources

Business Support Meetings

Book a one-to-one business support meeting to help you to find the right guidance and support to apply for the Challenge. To request a one-to-one meeting please email: info@digitalgreenhouse.gg

Online Guides & Articles

The Business Essentials section of our website has a range of guides and articles to help answer some of the startup questions you might have.

Business Essentials

What happen's after I've applied?

Application Deadline:
Applications will close on 9th July 2023. Applications submitted after this time will not be considered. After the applications have closed, the judging panel will assess the applications and draw up a shortlist of successful applicants to continue to on the GVC accelerator and final pitch night.

Shortlisted Announced:
All applicants will be notified as to whether they have been shortlisted by 28th July 2023.

The Final Pitch

The shortlisted applicants must be available to pitch their businesses to a panel of judges at a final pitch event on 21st September 2023. Where judges will decide the winners of the three prizes.

Find out more and book your free tickets to see the 2023 shortlisted businesses pitch here:

Book now

Awards Evening

The winners will be announced at The Véyaon Awards evening on the 16th of November 2023, where they will receive their prizes. Applicants must be available to attend The Véyaon Awards evening.

The Véyaon Awards is a night of celebration of local entrepreneurship and innovation, awarding those individuals and businesses who have ‘gone for it’ - the definition of véyaon in Guernésiais. With awards for startups, scaling businesses, digital disruptors and learners, the evening will shine a spotlight on innovation and new ventures in Guernsey.