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!
3 comments:
Why has the England heat closed earlier? Oh well there's always another pitch....
Each of the locations have their heats on different dates for logistical reasons, unfortunately it just so happens England was the first to close. But definitely, there are plenty more competitions, funds and pitches to apply for - many of which you can find on our website :)
As the comment above says the deadlines for each heat are different because the events take place on different days.
However, you can still get involved as each of the heats will have an audience of around 100 people. As well as the pitches live on stage there will also be speeches and panel debates featuring successful entrepreneurs and other experts. The keynote speaker for England on 9 June is business and enterprise minister Mark Prisk MP.
You can register for a free ticket at http://www.thepitch2011.com/national-heats
Dan Martin
Editor, BusinessZone.co.uk
Founder, The Pitch
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