Scotland's Creative Young
Entrepreneur 2026
Is your business ready for a national stage?
Apply to be recognised as Scotland's most innovative young entrepreneur. Our national winner goes on to represent Scotland at the JCI European Conference 2027.
Applications open 8 June 2026 • Close 31 July • Ages 18–40
A national platform for Scotland's best young business builders
The JCI Scotland Creative Young Entrepreneur (CYE) Programme is a national pitch competition that identifies, celebrates, and amplifies Scotland's most innovative young entrepreneurs. Open to JCI members and non-members.
CYE evaluates existing, active businesses — not ideas or concepts. Your business must have been trading for at least 3 months.
You do not need to be a JCI member to apply. The programme is open to any entrepreneur aged 18–40 domiciled in Scotland.
Scotland's winner is named on stage at the JCI Scotland National Conference and promoted across our national media.
Scotland's national winner will go on to represent Scotland at the JCI European Conference 2027.
Could this be you?
To apply for CYE Scotland 2026, you must meet all of the following criteria.
You must be between 18 and 40 years old at the time of applying.
Scotland must be your permanent home or the country you consider your primary base.
Your business must have been active for at least 3 months.
You must not be a current board member at International, National or Local JCI level.
Only one representative per business may apply, even if it is co-founded.
All applications and presentations must be submitted and delivered in English.
Programme Timeline
Everything you need to know about what happens when.
What to prepare before you apply
The application form takes around 10 minutes. Have these three things ready before you start.
Your business story
A clear description of what your business does, the problem it solves, and what makes it different.
Key business metrics
Your trading period, revenue figures if comfortable sharing, number of customers or users, and key milestones.
Your business plan
A document covering your business overview, target market, revenue model, growth strategy, and impact. PDF or Word, max 10MB.
What the winner receives
This is about more than a title. It's about national recognition, a platform, and a pathway to Europe.
Named Scotland's Creative Young Entrepreneur 2026 on stage at the National Conference.1 year complimentary JCI Scotland membership, giving you access to a global network of investors, mentors, and opportunities across 100+ countries.
Scotland's national winner is nominated to represent Scotland at the JCI European Conference 2027, competing among Europe's top young entrepreneursfor a chance to win a $5,000 prize.
All Top 5 finalists are featured publicly. All finalists are promoted across JCI Scotland's social media, partner organisations, and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Common questions
Still unsure? Here are the questions we get asked most.
Ready to show Scotland what you've built?
Applications are free and take around 10 minutes. Open 8 June — deadline 31 July 2026.
Start Your Application →By applying you confirm your business has been trading for at least 3 months, you are aged 18–40, and you are domiciled in Scotland.