Somerset-based entrepreneurs between the ages of 18-35 are being invited to apply for an award with a value of up to £30,000 over a two year period. Entrants must be able to demonstrate a passion for food, an inventive use of land or real estate and an ambition to grow or start up a food-based business in farming and/or processing and/or retailing that is commercially sound, rather than an academic proposition.

The Honor Chapman Mentoring Award was launched in November 2011 in memory of Honor's inspirational work and love of farming, food and the countryside which she demonstrated as Chair of the Somerset Food Links Board until her untimely death.

Somerset Food Links supported the growth of the local food sector across Somerset for a decade before it closed in 2009. Their residual funds have been donated to The Ducky Foundation in order to support a one off Honor Chapman Mentoring Award to a Somerset candidate who has managed their food and/or farming business for no more than five years nor should the turnover exceed £150,000.

The Ducky Foundation will manage the Awards and, unlike any other award, The Honor Chapman Mentoring Award will combine business mentoring from a range of industry experts and the opportunity for up to £10,000 as an investment in the winning enterprise.

Applications can be made via the website www.theduckyfoundation.com and will close on 30th June.

Contact details 
The Ducky Foundation Administration Officer: Elaine Spencer-White
Email: emswhite@farming.co.uk
Tel: 01935 851280

The Ducky Foundation
The Ducky Foundation is named after Honor's fondness for calling her friends and colleagues "Ducky". The five founding members of The Ducky Foundation are James Allen, Catherine Butler, Henrietta Green, Yael Mejia and Jane O'Riordan. Each year the founding members will co-opt a member of the food related world to join them in selecting that year's beneficiary.

The Ducky Foundation Network
The Ducky Foundation Network will be drawn from experts in the world of farming, land use, food industry, finance, food legislation, product & packaging design, food retailing, marketing and production. Network contributors already signed up include Sarah-Jane Curtis of Covent Garden, Ewan Venters of Selfridges, Randolph Hodgson of Neal's Yard, and Anita Le Roy of Montgomery Coffee.
Company No. 7425523 Charity Commission No. 1142087