The Edge Upstarts Awards recognise excellence in all aspects of social enterprise, including providing a rich learning environment for the young and disadvantaged.

The Upstarts Awards began in 2001 to encourage and reward extraordinary vision, ethical business practice and social responsibility. They aim to showcase businesses that offer innovative and sustainable solutions to social issues.

The 2008 awards recognise in particular those employers who pass on practical skills and those who benefit from learning-by-doing.

Make a nomination for Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year
This award is to recognise and encourage the next generation of social entrepreneurs under 30 years of age. The winner will possess the vision and drive to be a successful social entrepreneur. The judges will be looking for ambition, tenacity and a commitment to social enterprise.

Make a nomination for Social Entrepreneur of the Year
This award is to recognise the person who best represents the qualities and attributes of a successful social entrepreneur. The judges will be looking for initiative, determination and resilience.

Make a nomination for Social Enterprise of the Year
This award is to recognise the organisation that clearly represents the qualities and attributes of a successful social enterprise. The judges will be looking for transferability of the business model, sustainability and community impact.

Make a nomination for Social Enterprise Mentor of the Year
This award is to recognise the person who has inspired and encouraged others to develop confidence and life and job skills by sharing their expertise willingly over the long-term. The judges will be looking for the ability to motivate in a person who is exceptionally approachable, sincere and trustworthy.

Make a nomination for Social Enterprise Trainee of the Year
This award is to recognise the trainee, of any age, who has developed their skills the most on-the-job. The judges will be looking for initiative, hard work and commitment.

What are the rules?
Who won last year?

Contact

Please direct all inquiries regarding Edge Upstarts to Charlotte Eisenhart, upstarts@newstatesman.co.uk

New Statesman, Third Floor, 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W 0AU
Tel: 020 7881 5649

Edge Upstarts is designed to encourage and promote social entrepreneurs. Especially those who pass on practical skills and social values to their employees, providing innovative and sustainable solution to social problems. A collaboration between Edge, a charity campaigning for practical learning, and the New Statesman, Edge Upstarts is a unique forum through which to discuss ideas, policies, and the impact of practical learning and social enterprise.