THE search for Test Valley’s business leader of the future is on, as 14-18 year olds across the borough are invited to sign up to take part in the contest.

The young entrepreneurs program - dubbed the Youth in Test Valley Awards - is a fusion contest between Dragons Den and The Apprentice to find the next business leader of Test Valley.

One young person will go through the contest, and end up winning substantial investment and mentorship from a local business.

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Nominations to take part in the contest will open on September 14 at 8am, with nominations closing on Sunday, October 16 at 5pm.

The stakes have recently been upped, with the investment originally going to be £500, the victorious young person will now receive £1,000 in investment to start up their business idea, thanks to substantial sponsorship from local businesses and councils.

Dmitrijs Meiksans, co-ordinator of the program, said: “We are so thankful as directors of Bringing Together Andover CIC for the amazing support we have received from the variety of businesses and council partners to not only make this project come to fruition, but also enable us to invest even more than originally planned into the young people involved.”

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The sponsors, Parker Bullen Solicitors, New Street Dental Care and The IncuHive Space, alongside the project’s council funders, Test Valley Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Andover Town Council, Romsey Town Council, Romsey Extra Parish Council and Valley Park Parish Council, have all contributed to make the project successful, “clearly showing local partners’ commitment to investing in the future of our borough”, the organisers said.

The form will be made available at bringingtogetherandover.co.uk/youth-in-test-valley-awards when nominations open.