West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has launched a £1.5 million challenge to back game-changing ideas from businesses and young entrepreneurs, offering grants of up to £100,000 to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions.

Unveiled on Wednesday 12 February, the Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge is calling on local businesses and aspiring young innovators to develop pioneering solutions that tackle pressing local issues, particularly around health and wellbeing.

A total of £1 million is being allocated to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with the potential to drive change in West Yorkshire.

• Three winning businesses will secure £100,000 each to bring their ideas to life.
• 20 finalists will receive £20,000 grants plus expert mentoring, networking opportunities, and free membership of Nexus, the world-leading research hub at the University of Leeds.
• Innovations could include sustainable food supply chains, community health initiatives, accessible transport solutions, or green urban developments.

“West Yorkshire is a region of grafters and innovators,” said Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire. “With this million-pound challenge, we’re backing bright ideas that will build stronger, healthier communities and drive economic growth.”

The business competition closes on 7 May 2025, with finalists announced in summer 2025, and winners revealed in March 2026.

Young people aged 16-26 are also being given a chance to turn their passion into impact, with up to £600 in prizes on offer for the best youth-led solutions.

Delivered in partnership with design specialists TPXimpact, the youth competition will:

• Equip participants with research, design, and problem-solving skills.
• Pair them with like-minded changemakers.
• Offer the chance to pitch ideas that could directly benefit young people in the region.

“This programme will unlock the creativity of young people, giving them the tools to drive positive change,” said Lizzie Insall, Senior Partner at TPXimpact.

The youth competition is completely free, with applications closing on 10 April 2025.

The Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge is part of the West Yorkshire Local Growth Plan, which aims to inject £7 billion into the region to support entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities.

Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor, called on businesses to seize this opportunity:

“Our £66 billion West Yorkshire economy is built on innovation. This challenge is a call to action for our SMEs – the backbone of our region – to step forward with their boldest ideas.”

With funding, mentoring, and networking support, this million-pound challenge is set to spark a wave of fresh ideas that could shape the future of West Yorkshire.

More information about the Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge for local businesses can be found here: https://www.wybusiness-skills.com/MayorsBigIdeasChallengeForSMEs/

More information about Challenge Works can be found here: Home | Challenge Works

More information about the Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge for young people can be found here: https://www.wybusiness-skills.com/MayorsBigIdeasChallengeForYoungPeople/

More information about TPXimpact can be found here: People-powered transformation | Your digital transformation partner – TPXimpact