Budding young entrepreneurs in Kirklees have just weeks to enter a competition backed by Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones.

Sixteen to 25-year-olds who have a great business idea have been urged to enter the Edge Challenge 2014.

The Edge Foundation has teamed up with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and Gazelle Colleges Group to find the country’s brightest young entrepreneurs.

The competition is open to entries until September 26.

The Edge Challenge is open to past and present students of any further education or sixth form college – who have taken or are undertaking a course of technical, practical or vocational education and have a bright and innovative business idea.

Prizes are available for individual entrants and there is also a team challenge for groups of up to five people.

The individual winner will get £3,000 to develop their start up, along with the support of a top mentor for six months. Second and third prizes of £1,250 and £750 will also be awarded. The top team will receive £5,000 to help develop their business proposal.

To enter, students must set out their innovative and viable business idea - including a financial and marketing strategy. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to present their plans to a panel in London.

The top three individual entrants and top two teams will then have the opportunity to showcase their ideas at The Skills Show, which takes place from November 13 to 15 at the NEC in Birmingham.

Peter Jones said: “I am delighted that The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy will be working in partnership with the Edge Foundation and the Gazelle Colleges Group to deliver the Edge Challenge, as I believe that all young people should be given the opportunity to equip themselves with the skills to achieve success in the modern, global economy. The competition inspires entrepreneurial, innovative and valued individuals .

“I am particularly supportive of the financial reward and access to business mentoring which the Edge Challenge offers its winner. Learning by doing is the best way to equip students for the workplace, and through this competition, students will get a real taste of the business world.”

Students can register online at www.edge.co.uk/edgechallenge