Aspiring food entrepreneurs are being offered a unique opportunity to turn their dream into a small business reality as the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) teams up with the renowned Le Cordon Bleu to launch their annual Julia Child Scholarship.

This year’s scholarship aims to provide would-be food entrepreneurs with the first steps to business success. Applicants don’t necessarily need to be a great cook, but need a strong business idea and need to submit their application by June 16.

The UK’s food and drink sector has a turnover of around £25 billion. It remains a buoyant industry and one which continues to attract budding entrepreneurs. In 2017, more than 28,000 new food businesses opened in the UK. The food sector grew by 89 per cent between 2000 and 2017, more than the economy as a whole (86 per cent). In the food sector (excluding beverages) SMEs accounted for 96 per cent of businesses, 25 per cent of employment and 25 per cent of turnover.

Despite the pressures facing many small businesses – particularly those on the high street – there’s a world of opportunity to succeed as a food and drink entrepreneur.

The prize, which will be presented to the winner by esteemed Le Cordon Bleu Alumna Mary Berry, is worth more than £40,000. It includes a year’s membership of FSB; a place on Le Cordon Bleu’s Diplôme de Pâtisserie, recognised globally as one of the most respected culinary qualifications in pastry and baking; a three month Le Cordon Bleu Diploma in Culinary Management; an internship at the iconic Savoy Hotel; and 12 months luxury accommodation provided by Londonist.

The total length of the Scholarship Award prize will be 12 months, which will begin in January 2020.

Central London accommodation will be provided by Londonist for the 12-month duration of study.

All candidates must be aged 18 and over, have UK residency and submit their application through Le Cordon Bleu’s website: ukscholarship.cordonbleu.edu

READ MORE: Going nowhere in a hurry