Bangor University student reaches semi-finals of national business competition

Jemima LettsA forestry student from Bangor University has reached the semi-finals of a national business competition run by a charity that supports student and graduate entrepreneurs. Jemima Letts, 21, has been shortlisted in the Tata Social Impact category for her business Tree Sparks, a social enterprise aiming to ignite conversation within 15-19 year olds about environmental awareness, as well as highlight that jobs within the environmental sector are viable for young people.

The Varsity Pitch Competition, run by NACUE (National Association of College and University Entrepreneurs) in partnership with Tata, invites innovative young business owners to submit their pitches for the chance to win £10,000 to help fund their business idea. The semi-finals will see Tree Sparks compete against 5 other startups in their category, pitching live to a panel of expert judges.

When: Tuesday, 16^th October

Where: NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator, London

If successful, Jemima will be invited to a bootcamp where she will gain mentoring and support before pitching in the final on the 12th November at 56VC in central London.

Tree Sparks was set up with the help of Big Ideas Wales, part of the Business Wales service to encourage youth entrepreneurship in Wales. Big Ideas Wales is funded by Welsh Government and the European Regional Development Fund aimed at anyone between the age of 5 and 25 who wants to develop a business idea.

Previous winners of the NACUE Varsity Pitch Competition include Motus Innovation who are empowering stroke sufferers to recover their independence, AEROPOWDER who are radically transforming waste chicken feather into sustainable products and Blaze an innovative cycling company that has recently partnered with Santander Cycles in London to have their safety lights fitted to the cycles.

Speaking about their success, Jemima said:

"I am absolutely thrilled to have been chosen as a semi-finalist for the Varsity Pitching Competition and can't wait to get up on stage and pitch my concept for Tree Sparks. I am over the moon to be representing Bangor University and I cannot thank B-Enterprising and my lecturers enough for all of their support. I hope to make everyone proud!"

Publication date: 11 October 2018