The Pitch: Be a part of Britain's biggest small business competition

Fancy entering Britain's biggest small business competition?
Win a £50,000 prize package!
For a fourth year, small business competition 'The Pitch' has returned, giving entrepreneurs across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland the chance to pitch for funding for their business. In touch economic climates, new entrepreneurs are facing more struggles than ever before in launching their business ventures. Having the idea is not always enough, and it is for this reason that competitions such as The Pitch have been created to give that little extra nudge in the right direction. Although entries for the English heat have now closed, the other three heats are still open until June, July and August.


In each heat, candidates will be required to pitch their business to a panel of judges, who will rate you by your passion, commercial viability, potential for expansion, innovation and much more. The pitch final will take place on 18th November in central London, and will feature the winners of each heat plus a wildcard contestant. The final pitches will be delivered to a panel of judges and an audience of hundreds. The evening will allow for some fantastic networking, gives a chance to meet the other finalists and hear from expert business speakers.


What is the prize?
Winners of The Pitch will receive a prize package unlike any other. Entrepreneurial support organisations have gathered together to create an all round, must have business start-up support prize. A breakdown of the prize package is as follows:

• £6000 worth of advertising packages with Yell
• 12 months free mentoring with serial entrepreneur Karen Darby
• Social media training from BuzinessZone.co.uk
• A bespoke tailored business suit from A Suit That Fits
• £4000 worth of advertising with Business Matters
• Market Research from Trends Research
• Face to face business plan support from Business Plan Factory
• PR coaching from Paula Gardner of Do Your Own PR
• Website user experience testing package from whatusersdo.com
• Consultancy services from Sift Groups
• Package of top business books worth £100

Once you have caught your breath, I am sure you will realise the unbelievable value given by this competition. It is every entrepreneurs dream!

How do I apply?

The application process starts with an application form. Begin by filling out this short form found HERE to receive the application form.

When are the deadlines?

England: CLOSED 

Wales: 12th June

Scotland: 18th July

Northern Ireland: 21st August

Here is a short video from BusinessZone.co.uk featuring last years The Pitch 2010, giving you an idea of what to expect for 2011!

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Looking for investment of up to £500,000 for your business?

Are you looking to find £100,000 - £500,000 investment for your business?
As an entrepreneur it can be frustrating knowing that you have a fantastic business idea but are struggling to find the finance and the reputation to launch your product into the market effectively, the stage for entrepreneurs known as the 'Valley of Death'. To overcome the 'Valley of Death' and become a real player in your field requires many things, for example you need a product that has a real need, effective marketing, 24/7 hard work and persistence, and last but not least...money.


Many entrepreneurs today are crying out for more investors and more grant funding opportunities if they are to be expected to 'save the economy' and provide an enterprise-led recovery. Find My Funding has been scouring the UK for these opportunities, and is working hard at bringing them to the entrepreneurs to save time and to help recover British business.


Today FMF is featuring Horatio Investments, an organisation that says they are not a venture capital firm, but can offer investments of up to £500,000 for ideas that inspire them. Horatio Investments focuses on the South West and South Wales regions of the UK, and provides monetary funding and business support on a continuing basis to their successful applicants. Horatio Investments is not a fund and invests purely from its own resources, enabling them to escape the constraints that many Venture Capital firms face.


Who does Horatio Investments provide funding for?
As said previously, Horatio Investments focuses on entrepreneurs in the South West and the South of Wales. However they are open to businesses from all sectors. Your business can be at the proof of concept stage or requiring expansion capital. Horatio Investments are looking for businesses with originality, tenacity, commitment, and energy - so if you think you fit the bill applying could secure some much needed funding for your enterprise.
> For more details on the investment process see here


Will Horatio Investments take some equity?
Yes, as Horatio Investments is investing from their own funds they will expect a return in equity for their money and business support. It is the typical investment process.


How do I apply?
To apply to the Horatio Investment investors, you will be required to submit a Summary Business Case summing up your business and showing why you are looking for investment. You will also have to submit a funding application form that will entail a business overview, information on your market and competitors,financial forecasts, details of your management team and the level of investment required. In other words, your business plan!
> To apply, visit their website HERE

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Raise finance through Crowdcube

What is Crowdcube?
Crowdcube seems to be the new player in the game of investment, and has made quite an impression with budding entrepreneurs across the UK. Entrepreneurs can submit their businesses onto the Crowdcube website which will then be viewed by hundreds of 'investors' online. It is a very simple but effective way of raising finance, especially for young businesses that are trying to get off the ground.


According to the Crowdcube website, "Crowdcube gives the UK's best entrepreneurs and business pioneers a newfangled way to raise business finance by tapping into a 'crowd' of like minded trend-setters willing to invest smaller amounts of cash in exchange for rewards and a stake in their business." 


The beauty of Crowdcube is that little equity can be sacrificed, and you do not have to experience a divorce of ownership or give away business votes. Investors may invest as little as £10 in your business, but you may be wondering how that is ever going to pay your web hosting fees or buy that office space...? The trick with Crowdcube is that it exposes you to a large number of eager investors looking to make some money from new start-ups, so the more £10 investments you get the closer you are to funding your business properly. Crowdfunding can not only be used to raise money but also gain feedback and publicise an idea, project or business. 


So how do I raise investment using Crowdcube?
You simply create an online pitch and upload it to the website. Once this is done you promote, promote, promote to whoever will listen - i.e. friends, family, colleagues & customers. Spreading the word will attract investors from far and wide, allowing you to meet your investment targets and get cracking with business!


What is Crowdfunding?
'Crowdfunding is the new way for a community of like minded people to network and pool their money and knowlege together, Crowdcube provides a platform for entrepreneurs of start-ups and established businesses to connect with potential investors.' - Source: Crowdcube 2011


How do I get started using Crowdcube to raise finance for my business?


Simply visit www.crowdcube.com and follow the instructions on their website!

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